Chapter 1137

Isaac was silent for a long moment. He took a deep drink of wine, then carefully wrapped the Night Pearl before placing it in a small box. The glow faded, leaving only the faint moonlight and a star-filled sky.

Violet hadn't expected such a background from Isaac. Carissa had never mentioned it. He had always seemed a carefree rogue, lingering in brothels, listening to courtesans sing or playing music for them. How could he possibly be a nobleman's son?

As Isaac remained silent, Violet imagined a dramatic family rivalry. He'd said his birth had benefited his father, implying affection, but a concubine's son gaining favor would certainly challenge the legitimacy of the first wife's children. His mother's influence remained unclear, but her lack thereof seemed evident. Otherwise, how could Isaac have ended up wandering the streets without a home?

"Was it Evelyn who didn't want you to return? Was she afraid you'd compete for the inheritance?" Violet asked cautiously.

"They don't even know I'm alive," Isaac said, a carefree smile playing on his lips. "It's probably for the best. The Earl of Silverstone's family appears prosperous, but it's fraught with danger. They're better off unaware of my survival. Returning would have meant confronting their mess."

"But you learned of your sister-in-law's troubles in just a few days here in the capital. You couldn't ignore it. She may be the lady of the house, but to the Earl of Silverstone's family, she's still an outsider, burdened with undue responsibilities."

Violet listened, trying to make sense of his words. "So, you want to help Madam Zoey?" she asked after a moment.

"I can't help her, and that's precisely what weighs on me," Isaac replied, his tone heavy.

"But how could you help? Your mother probably doesn't even acknowledge you. If you intervened, she'd be wary, fearing you'd return to claim something from them."

Isaac's voice turned cold. "What do I care about the Earl of Silverstone's family? I have everything I need. But if my sister-in-law were clever, she'd secure a future for herself. The capital isn't the only place to live. She should take her children and leave. That's what we in the martial arts world would do. But she won't listen, so I don't waste my time."

Violet's curiosity piqued. "Is Viola your younger or older sister? She's related to you, so why don't you care about her?"

Isaac snorted. "She's older. I'm the youngest. And her problems? Why should I involve myself? They're her own choices. She's unlike Zoey, who's been dragged into this mess."

Isaac seemed relieved. He produced the Night Pearl, holding it up to Violet's eyes as if to intimidate her.

"You can't tell anyone about this," he said seriously. "Not even my fellow guild members know. Only Sage Adrian and Sage Everett are aware."

Violet raised an eyebrow. "I can't do that. Carissa and I have no secrets. Honestly, if you have a secret you can't share, you shouldn't tell anyone at all. I can't keep it for you. That's too much torture, and I won't do it."

"I saved you," Isaac reminded her, his voice tight with frustration.

Violet remained unfazed. "You saved me, so I'll repay you. Anything you want in the capital—food, drink, women, anything—I've got you covered. Just tell me which establishment you want, and I'll pay to bring whoever you fancy."

"Violet, you used to boast about your discretion," Isaac growled.

Violet bounced back, landing lightly, her eyes gleaming mischievously. "Oh, I am discreet. I just don't talk. And when I do, how can I be discreet with my words?" Isaac grabbed her arm, hoisting her into the air.

His voice was dark. "If you dare tell anyone, I'll throw you off this tower." Violet wasn't scared. Instead, she defiantly crossed her arms.

"If you hadn't threatened me, maybe I would have kept your secret. But now? Impossible. If you dare, throw me." She straightened slightly, her eyes sparkling in the moonlight. "A dark night, dim moonlight, a high wind—perfect for throwing a body over the edge! How thrilling! Go on, toss me."

Furious, Isaac flung her backward. She twisted, landing gracefully, hands behind her back.

"Not tossing me, huh? Well, in that case, I'm leaving. You won't get another chance like this."

Isaac scowled, clearly frustrated. "This is how you repay your benefactor? Come have some drinks."

Violet sauntered to the railing, resting her hands on it. The night wind tousled her hair, revealing a delicate, graceful face. Her expression was playful yet innocent.

"Alright, but you have to answer my questions first. Why did the Earl of Silverstone's family cast you out? What about your mother? And how did you end up at the Pathfinders Guild?"

Chapter 1138