Chapter 1077

Viola’s heart was as cold as ice. She couldn't understand why she kept finding herself in this situation. Divorce was always a last resort—something she had never wanted unless absolutely necessary. She turned to her father-in-law, Jonathan, and her brother-in-law, Benjamin, hoping they could persuade Barrett. She even sought Charlotte's support, despite the woman's long-standing indifference to their affairs.

Amelia's death had utterly hardened Charlotte's heart, making her agreement surprising. "Return to the military and start from the bottom again? That's a good idea. I support it," Charlotte declared.

Viola knew better than to rely on Charlotte, but she hoped Barrett might listen if the family elder intervened. After hearing Charlotte’s words, Viola angrily swept a cup from the table. "If you won't help, at least spare us the cold remarks," she snapped, then stood and left.

Jonathan and Benjamin didn't attempt to persuade Barrett. It wasn't that they disagreed with Barrett becoming a common soldier; rather, seeking Zoey's help was unrealistic. Despite the families' supposed mutual support after the marriage, the Warren family's influence had virtually vanished. What was the point of continuing to help someone who could offer nothing in return?

After her failed attempts, Viola returned to Silverstone Estate and made her intentions clear: she wanted a divorce. She couldn't remain in the Warren family; the man who once held such power was now a common soldier, and the ridicule would be unbearable. Besides, no one knew when the king might reclaim the estate, leaving her to rent a home.

Naturally, Evelyn refused. She immediately sent for Zoey, only to learn Zoey had gone to Skye Embroidery. Zoey had deliberately left, having already heard from Poppy about Viola's plans. Her sister-in-law's impulsiveness annoyed Zoey; she didn't want to offer advice that might later be used against her. Of course, she wasn't pleased by Viola's repeated threats of divorce and returning to her family; it would undoubtedly affect her children's marriages. But what could she do?

Zoey couldn't stop Viola from returning to Silverstone Estate. In this world, a woman wasn't considered part of her birth family after marriage. However, Zoey, a mother herself, couldn't bring herself to turn her back on Viola. Avoiding the situation entirely seemed simpler.

Ironically, Zoey's arrival at Skye Embroidery saved Violet, who had been dealing with Molly for two days. Molly had been insisting Violet visit Edgeview Estate. Violet knew Yuvan's intentions and had planned to confront him, but Carissa's advice against stirring up trouble had prevailed. Upon Zoey's arrival, Violet quickly excused herself and dismissed Molly.

"How's Karen doing?" Zoey asked.

Violet sighed. "Still the same. Won't eat, won't talk. She's just waiting for you to come and talk to her." She shook her head, worry etched on her face. "I don't dare leave her alone. I'm afraid she might try something again."

Karen Whitley had arrived two days earlier, brought by Carissa after being found on the bridge where Amelia had attempted suicide. Just as Karen was about to jump, Carissa saved her using her Lightfoot Skill and brought her to the workshop.

Seventeen years old and delicate as a flower, Karen lacked any spark of life. She only wanted to die, even contemplating self-harm at the workshop. Her family lived on Hibiscus Lane in the capital. Her father, a sixth-rank official in the Protocol Department, held to a strict code of conduct, which morphed into cruelty regarding Karen's disgrace. They not only refused to report it but her father blamed her and insisted she take her own life. Her mother, unable to bear it, secretly helped her escape.

But where could a young girl go? Her body and reputation ruined, her life shattered, she went to the bridge where Amelia had jumped, intending to end her life the same way. Karen had been at Skye Embroidery for two days, refusing food and drink. If this continued, she would surely die. Violet learned of her humiliation and expulsion from the Whitley family servants. When Carissa spoke to Karen's father, Douglas Whitley, he denied everything—his daughter's existence, even. He produced his other daughters, who corroborated his denial.