Chapter 1130
By chance, Carissa learned of Viola's predicament. She happened to be there at an unfortunate time. That day, Carissa had been quietly monitoring the Garrison Unit's patrols, a recent assessment task. Despite rectifying previous misconduct, many merchants still attempted to curry favor by offering goods, as before. Oversight of this had become lax; confiscated goods were fewer, and patrols frequently relaxed in coffeehouses, a far cry from expected discipline.
Carissa hoped to catch this negligence, setting an example. Instead, she stumbled upon a different situation. While at the Arcane Sanctum for water, she witnessed the unfolding events from behind a curtain in the back hall.
Initially, she only heard Viola's voice. Wishing to avoid her, Carissa remained seated. She assumed Viola would simply purchase medicine and leave, unaware she sought Snowdrop Pills. When told they were out of stock, Viola refused to believe it.
Silas then arrived with herbs. Viola greeted him, seemingly to dispel any suspicion, mentioning the Sanctum’s hidden supply and requesting a pill. Given the crowd, her public request guaranteed refusal. Silas' blunt denial only enraged Viola further; she wept, mentioning their past familial connection, and stormed out.
Coincidentally, Silas' wife, Riley, knowing he was bringing herbs, had brought him food and witnessed the scene. An immediate argument ensued.
Through Riley's outburst, Carissa learned details. Riley was unaware of Silas and Viola's affair, but she loved her husband deeply and knew he had stayed at the Farrell family residence. Since Thomas' return, however, their interactions had ceased, raising her suspicions. After investigating, Riley discovered the affair. Initially furious, she chose to remain silent, deeming it pointless to publicize such an embarrassing matter.
However, today's public exchange ignited Riley's fury. Blinded by jealousy, she disregarded propriety and revealed all in her anger.
The scene was chaotic. Shocked patients and families were speechless, stunned into silence. Hidden behind the curtain, Carissa observed, pondering life's unpredictability; secrets, once believed secure, often unexpectedly surface at the most inopportune moments.
While exposing Viola and Silas, the scandal also tarnished Thomas' reputation. Leaving the Arcane Sanctum, Carissa immediately dispatched Mabel to inform Thomas' mother, Alice, preparing for the inevitable gossip.
Thomas' recent appointment had earned Alice a third-rank countess title. She had been diligently arranging his marriage, nearing a decision pending his approval. This scandal jeopardized those plans.
Thomas was not at fault; he was the victim. The problem was the location—the Farrell family residence—revealing a perceived lack of conduct and discipline. People would assume this was merely the tip of the iceberg.
Thomas was already on his second marriage. Finding a suitable partner was difficult, necessitating consideration of lesser families. Yet, character and reputation remained crucial. With this scandal, what woman of standing would marry into such a household?
Chapter 1131