Chapter 1131

Silverstone Estate was in chaos. Riley had slapped Viola repeatedly, and the ensuing scene, witnessed by patients from Arcane Sanctum and passersby alike, drew a shocked crowd. Poppy reported that someone had shouted about a princess consort being present, urging onlookers to refrain from further actions.

Zoey, initially surprised, realized the princess consort was likely Carissa, a frequent visitor to Arcane Sanctum. Regardless of the identity, the news had spread, irrevocably damaging the Earl of Silverstone's family reputation.

After a period of quiet contemplation over a cup of coffee in the courtyard, Zoey sought her mother-in-law, Evelyn. Evelyn, distraught, pleaded, "Tell me what we can do! We must cover this up, or find Mrs. Lewis and give her whatever she wants. Let her say it was a misunderstanding; only then can we stop this."

Zoey, recognizing Evelyn's reasoned approach, listened. Luna, sitting silently beside them, wore a numb expression, already resigned to the ordeal. Luna and Caspian, a loving couple with children, were inextricably bound to the family’s fate; this scandal threatened them all. The shame was too profound for open discussion; Luna waited for Zoey's guidance.

Zoey sighed. "Right now, that's our only option. I'll find Mrs. Lewis." Her anger simmered beneath the surface. Were it not for her children's futures, she wouldn't care; let Viola's reputation be destroyed.

Her voice hardened. "Mother, prepare yourself. If Barrett discovers this, he won't settle for divorce. He might cast Viola out. Then, Mrs. Lewis's intervention won't matter."

Evelyn, having composed herself, asked, "But if she clears it up, Barrett won't cast Viola out?"

Zoey replied, "Clearing it up doesn't change the facts; it's merely for appearances. Barrett may be slow-witted, but he can't tolerate such a scandal. And don't forget, Viola constantly threatened divorce over Serena's return."

Viola possessed a flawed conscience, quick to criticize her husband's shortcomings while ignoring her own. She blamed Barrett for his perceived inadequacies and Serena's expulsion. While Barrett and Serena weren't blameless, Viola's self-reflection was sorely lacking. Some things could not be erased; it was self-deception.

Panic seizing Evelyn, she wrung her hands. "Then what do we do? If Viola is cast out, how will our family maintain its position in the capital? What of the children's marriages?"

This struck Zoey's most vulnerable point. Trapped and enraged, she couldn't allow Viola to perpetually rely on her. In a calm, distant tone, she said, "There's nothing more to be done. If it comes to it, the men might marry women of humble origins—even from the lowest ranks."

Evelyn's eyes widened in terror. She turned to Luna, silently begging for intervention. But Luna, in agreement with Zoey, remained silent. If things escalated, Zoey's words represented their reality.

Seeing their silence, Evelyn's frustration boiled over. "Perhaps we should cast Viola out. Let her die on the streets. We'll provide a coffin—it's the least I can do as her mother," she snapped.

Zoey replied coldly, "If you decide that, I'll arrange it."

Evelyn sighed, remaining silent for a long moment before speaking quietly, "Zoey, please, let's resolve this. No matter their mistakes, it's ultimately the parents' fault for not teaching them properly. The responsibility lies with me and her father."