Kelly held the portrait and frowned:
— No offense, Grandma… but he’s not handsome, not sexy, and definitely not charming.

Sara looked at Kelly, shocked:

— Sorry, Grandma… but I have to agree with Kelly. I mean, how did you agree to be his mistress? It was for money, wasn’t it?

Grandma Aline chuckled softly, shaking her head:

— I wasn’t with him for money, my dears. It was for love. We loved each other deeply. When he was about to refuse the marriage to Princess Isabel, the next day… they found him dead.

Kelly and Sara’s eyes widened.

— But… didn’t you betray your lady? — Kelly asked, confused.

— Don’t even think that! — Grandma said firmly — She knew everything. She was the one who introduced us because she didn’t want to marry him; she wanted the messenger boy instead. However, she didn’t end up with him either… he died, and she married another man. Now, she’s the Empress Mother.

— WHAT?! — the girls shouted in unison, shocked.

— Do you believe me now? — Grandma Aline said with a mysterious smile.

Sara, still stunned, asked:

— Grandma… so you and the Empress Mother… who was prettier in your youth?

— And who’s prettier now, in old age? — Kelly added, curious.

Grandma Aline sighed, looking at the old portrait:

— In our youth… it was clearly me, before I became poor. Poverty changes a person’s looks. Today, the Empress Mother is the prettier one. I’ll show you a portrait of both of us, and you can decide who was prettier, more charming, and sexier.

She placed the portraits side by side on the table:

Portrait: Empress Mother (17 years old)

The young Empress Mother carried a majestic and commanding aura, even at such a young age. Her long, straight black hair fell in soft waves over her delicate shoulders. Her deep brown eyes radiated determination and intelligence, yet held a hint of youthful sweetness. Her arched, well-defined eyebrows highlighted her confident and captivating expression. The dress she wore, in golden tones with fine embroidery, accentuated her elegant posture, slim waist, and graceful movements. A pearl necklace completed the look, giving her a natural air of nobility, even in her youth.

Portrait: Grandma Aline (15 years old)

Grandma Aline, on the other hand, had a softer, more delicate beauty, almost innocent. Her light brown, slightly wavy hair reached down to her waist, catching the light with a gentle sheen. Her green eyes were lively and curious, with a mischievous sparkle and a hint of intelligence, radiating youthful charm and contagious energy. Her rosy cheeks and fair skin gave her a healthy, radiant look, though less imposing than the Empress Mother’s. She wore a simple pastel dress with subtle lace and embroidery, showing grace and elegance without extravagance — a reflection of her humble origins and the purity of her youth.

Kelly and Sara studied the portraits carefully.

— Grandma… — Kelly said honestly — you were cute, not pretty. The Empress Mother… she was truly beautiful.

— You girls don’t know what you’re talking about — Grandma Aline said with an amused smile.

— Sara, aren’t you going to get ready for your date? — Kelly asked, trying to change the subject.

— Of course she is — Grandma interrupted with authority.

— Grandma, I don’t want to… please don’t make me! — Sara protested, crossing her arms.

— You should’ve thought of that before using my name in your romance — Grandma Aline replied with a sly smile, as if she knew she had already won the battle.