Chapter 595
“Madam Viola!” Zoey’s maid, Jane, called out as she hurried over. “What are you doing here?” Viola turned away, her face pale as she murmured, “I heard he’s now a third–rank major general.” “Who are you talking about, Madam Viola? It’s best not to gossip about others,” Jane replied.
She had spent many years by Zoey’s side and knew exactly who Viola was referring to. She sought to remind Viola to tread carefully.
But Viola seemed oblivious to Jane’s warning, saying, “The king only made my brother a major general before he left for the Southern Frontier. A major general is the main commander responsible for defending a region. Which region would he be stationed at?”
Jane’s tone turned serious, “Madam Viola, you should be more concerned about your husband. He’s here today too.”
Her heart filled with bitterness, Viola appeared not to hear Jane’s words, continuing, “What merit did he achieve to earn such a reward? Lady Kayla’s husband was granted an earldom, and now she has a noble title of her own. He received a third–rank major general title. What great achievement does that represent? Wasn’t it just delivering messages? On what grounds? What about those soldiers who truly fight on the battlefield–don’t they feel disheartened?”
Jane grasped her arm tightly, her nails digging in to pull Viola back to reality. “Madam Viola, mind your words. We’re at the Quinton family’s residence.”
The sharp pain in her arm jolted Viola, bringing her back to herself. She felt a mix of shame and anger. “Who told you to follow me?”
“Madam Zoey was worried you might get lost, so she sent me to accompany you,” Jane replied calmly. “Is she afraid I’ll get lost? Or is it that she fears I won’t know my place? She’s worried I’ll embarrass myself and tarnish the reputation of the Earl of Silverstone’s family,” Viola shot back coldly.
“You wouldn’t do such a thing. Madam Viola. Madam Zoey doesn’t think that way either. If you find the crowd too noisy, I can keep you company while you take a walk in the garden. The breeze today is nice. It will clear your mind and remind you of your identity as a member of the Warren family,” Jane responded. Viola glared at her fiercely. “Shut your mouth. If you’re going to follow me, stay at least ten feet away. Fuming, Viola turned to walk away, but it was too late–several eyes were already on them. Now, every glance directed at her felt mocking, as if she were the subject of a cruel joke. She truly didn’t want to stay in this place for another moment.
Lost in her thoughts, Viola marched straight out of the Quiton family’s residence, leaving even her maid, Poppy, behind.
Upon returning, Jane quietly reported to Zoey, who frowned when she heard what happened. Viola just left like that? Barrett was still in the courtyard. Also, she hadn’t informed the host before leaving. That was quite embarrassing, especially since there were so many people at the entrance. Despite the anger simmering inside her, Zoey maintained a calm demeanor on the outside, Privately, she
+25 BONUS
Chapter 595
instructed Jane to find Poppy, and have her return as well.
“Tell her to keep an eye on things,” she added. “If anything happens, report back immediately. Also, give her an extra monthly allowance.”
Barrett only learned about Viola’s early departure after the feast had concluded. Once he returned to the estate, he hurried straight to Grace Mansion, where he found her already lying in bed.
“Why did you leave early? You could have at least told me,” he asked, irritated.
Viola rubbed her forehead. “I had a terrible headache and thought it best to come home.”
Seeing her pale face, Barrett’s irritation softened into concern. He sat down beside her. “You should have mentioned that you weren’t feeling well. It’s not proper to just walk out like that without informing anyone.”
As he reached out to gently massage her forehead, Viola couldn’t shake her gloom. Before Thomas returned, Barrett’s tenderness would have warmed her heart, but now….
The two men were hardly comparable. One was merely a low–ranking guard, while the other was a third- rank major general who commanded troops.
Today, that fleeting glance from Thomas had still made her heart race. Though it was quick, the meaning behind that look was clear–Viola understood it all too well after being married to him.
Thomas hadn’t truly let go of her. She was still in his thoughts.
Frustration bubbled within her, especially towards her sister–in–law, who had returned Thomas‘ death pension as if to signify the end of their connection. It left her feeling trapped and uncertain about her next steps.
No, Viola had to see Thomas, no matter what.
Noticing her silence, Barrett’s expression grew more worried. “Are you still feeling unwell? I can send for a physician.”
“I’m much better,” she replied, grasping his hand.
