Chapter 1147
The moment Bianca spoke, a stunned silence fell over the room. Her accompanying family members were completely unaware of the child; Riley, especially, was shocked, stumbling back, her heart shattering.
Bianca herself had been hesitant initially. However, following the incident at Arcane Sanctum, she'd investigated Viola, discovering a physician with connections to her husband. When questioned about Viola's child with the Warrens' survival, the physician offered theories, suggesting a past miscarriage might have impaired her ability to carry a child. He lacked the full context, assuming it was a common occurrence, and that improper care could harm future pregnancies.
Bianca had been unsure if Viola ever had a child with Thomas. Unable to delve into the Farrell family's private life, her suspicions were conjecture. She'd only intended a stern warning, urging Viola to address the matter.
The moment the words left her lips, Zoey and Viola blanched. Bianca knew her guess was correct. Viola collapsed, believing Bianca already knew everything.
Tears streamed down Riley's face. "So my jealousy wasn't unfounded! You truly sought him! Your relationship wasn't simple; you even had a child! Your intentions were clear, yet he didn't distance himself despite your pleas. He should have! You're shameless! You blamed me, claiming I caused trouble and ruined your reputations!"
Viola felt a crushing sense of doom, mirroring the feeling when she first discovered her pregnancy with Silas' child—utterly trapped, with nowhere to turn. Zoey had saved her then. As Viola looked at Zoey, the latter swayed and fainted, falling before Carissa could catch her, injuring her forehead.
Chapter 1147
Carissa's hand came away slick with blood. Zoey's face burned with fever. "Get a physician!" Luna cried, panicked at the sight of her sister-in-law's bleeding forehead.
Riley, visibly shaken, approached her mother, then straightened, crying, "I'm so sorry! It's all my fault! I shouldn't have caused a scene." Her face was pale as she watched Zoey being carried away, blood staining the floor.
Luna bowed deeply to Bianca. "Madam Claude, regardless of right or wrong, resolution is impossible. You sought an explanation, and the Earl of Silverstone's household will provide one. But my sister-in-law has been ill for days, and only came today through sheer will. Please consider—"
Bianca cut her off, bowing. "No need. No explanations or justice. This has gone too far; we failed to consider the consequences. We apologize. Truly, we are sorry." Tears glistened in her eyes; she deeply regretted the situation.
The women departed, leaving an eerie silence. Riley, dazed, needed assistance. As she passed the doorway, she looked back at Viola, still on the floor. Unbidden, the words escaped her, "You can have him. I don't want him anymore. He's yours."
Viola, her back turned, closed her eyes, tears falling. Yes, she'd sought Silas, but never intended to marry him. He held no official position, working as a procurer at Arcane Sanctum, providing medicine and receiving money from officials and nobles—not the support she sought. She was tired of Barrett's constant arguments, feeling trapped. She just wanted someone to talk to.
She hadn't planned on confessing to Silas at Arcane Sanctum. But seeing him, handsome and gentle despite his weariness, her frustrations poured out uncontrollably. It was a colossal misunderstanding, a grave injustice. She never considered marrying Silas.