Chapter 1135

“If you don’t want to answer, then don’t. If you insist on divorcing, I won’t pursue Mrs. Lewis further,” Zoey concluded, ending the conversation.

Tears streaming down her face, Viola pleaded, “Please speak to her and clear up the misunderstandings. Silas wasn't married when I was with him. This isn't entirely my fault. Besides, you're already helping your daughter find a match. If this isn't resolved, how will you find a suitable match for her in the future?”

Zoey’s eyes hardened. Her voice remained calm, yet carried a sharp undercurrent. “Your life is what it is. You say you were born into an earl’s family and have been blessed, but your niece wasn’t so fortunate. She was also born into that family, yet she has less. It’s not wrong to think of yourself, but don’t drag others down with you.”

“What do you mean by that? Are you forcing me back to the Warren family?” Viola asked.

Zoey didn’t reply. She turned and left. It wasn't her problem anymore; she didn't care. If Viola was determined to divorce, even Riley's intervention wouldn't change anything.

Once something like this happens, it's like a permanent mark. Unless the past is erased, it remains for life.

At Hell Monarch Estate, Violet listened to Carissa recount the events. Her mouth gaped in shock; she was speechless.

After a long silence, she finally said, “Why do some people, who aren't truly malicious, inspire such intense dislike? She and Barrett actually seemed well-suited.”

Carissa replied, “I fear some people saw me at Arcane Sanctum today. After all, I left only after they did, and many people were still there.”

“It’s nothing. They’ll just gossip a little. No harm done,” Violet offered comfort.

Normally, a bystander wouldn’t be subjected to such gossip. However, Carissa’s situation was different—she had been Barrett’s wife. With Viola’s affair and subsequent remarriage to Barrett, even his former wife was inevitably drawn into the scandal. Her reputation would be tarnished along with theirs.

“Yes, it’s nothing. But when those two were fighting, I was stunned,” Carissa said.

“So, was Riley truly formidable?” Violet asked.

“I imagine this has been brewing inside her for some time. Once it erupted, she didn't care about her dignity or reputation. She just wanted to release her frustration and vent her anger,” Carissa replied.

Violet sighed. “I wish I had been there.”

“Being there would have been awkward. Watching women fight—Mr. Lewis was a mere bystander. He was too afraid to intervene and didn’t get involved in the altercation.”

“Technically, shouldn't Thomas have given Silas a beating? I hope this hasn’t affected his own marriage prospects.” Violet leaned closer, her curiosity piqued. “What do you think of Jacob’s sister as a match?”

“Jacob has already arranged a marriage for her. He's a well-off scholar from a respectable family. His household is simple—his eldest aunt is married, he has no brothers, his father-in-law passed away young, and his mother-in-law is kind and virtuous,” Carissa explained.

Violet sighed. “Such a shame.”

“What’s so shameful? Your godbrother has his own destiny,” Carissa said with a shrug.

Violet’s face darkened slightly. “But with this mess Viola’s caused, things might be more difficult. When Thomas first returned to court, many were eager to align themselves with him. Then, when the king delayed his appointment, everyone distanced themselves. It was only after he became a general that things stabilized. And now, with all this, I fear it’s just another complication.”

Carissa smiled. “You always talk about not wanting to marry, yet you’re worrying about someone else’s marriage prospects. I don’t concern myself with others’ marriages. Look, none of my senior guild members have wives, but I’m not anxious for them. They surely have their own plans.”

“Children of noble families are different from us martial artists,” Violet replied. “We are freer, while they are bound by rules. For them, not marrying and having children is considered deeply disrespectful. Cari, I think I understand now—people live differently, but no way of life is easy.”

“We’re not even into fall yet, and you’re already mourning the passing of spring?” Carissa teased, a playful smile on her face.

Violet forced a smile. “The more I experience, the more I see… the more difficult things become. It’s hard to remain optimistic when problems keep arising.”