Chapter 1148

Carissa summoned Ivy from the Arcane Sanctum to attend to Zoey. Thankfully, Zoey's forehead wound was superficial, the bleeding having stopped quickly without serious complications. However, she had been feverish for days, her weakened body further compromised by a recent outburst that resulted in her spitting blood. Now, she felt faint and lightheaded, tears streaming uncontrollably despite Carissa's efforts to wipe them away.

"Ivy, how is she?" Carissa asked after the examination.

Ivy sighed heavily. "Mrs. Prince has had a high fever for days. Her lungs appear affected; her liver is severely stressed with significant toxin buildup and poor circulation. The previous medication was insufficient. I've administered a stronger dose to address the liver heat and regulate her lungs. Once she improves, she needs extensive rest. She cannot continue overworking herself."

Ivy then requested a private word with Carissa. Lowering her voice, she whispered, "The liver stress is largely due to emotional distress. I sense she's concealing something, something she's unwilling to discuss. This suppressed burden is severely impacting her health."

Carissa immediately considered Zoey's anxieties regarding Oliver and their potential involvement in the treason case. Zoey's prior preparations—sending Cedric to train with Travis—suggested she anticipated the worst, constantly burdened by worry.

"Let's see how she responds to the medication first," Ivy said, returning to Zoey's room.

Carissa instructed the Garrison Unit to maintain absolute silence regarding the day's events, forbidding any discussion beyond the household walls. Addressing external rumors was beyond their control.

Finding Viola leaning against a pillar, her eyes swollen from crying, Carissa noted her fragile appearance.

"Lady Carissa, I have a question," Viola said, her voice thick with congestion.

"Go ahead," Carissa replied.

Viola smiled bitterly. "You opened Skye Embroidery, claiming it empowers women. If a man had done what I did, would he have faced criticism, or praise for his success with women?"

Carissa considered her response. "Has anyone praised Mr. Lewis for his capabilities? General Farrell was criticized for your affair, but he did nothing wrong. I understand your belief that men and women are treated unfairly, that our status is inferior. That's true. But isn't that precisely why we women must strive harder?"

Viola's smile twisted. "Does it even matter? Women can't even support each other. Shouldn't Mrs. Lewis have held Silas accountable instead of coming to me?"

Carissa responded firmly, "You have no right to say that. Remember Amelia? You looked down on her, never treating her like a sister-in-law. Her death is partly on your hands, though you didn't kill her. I won't waste time explaining; you understand. You're merely pretending confusion. I haven't the time for games."

Ignoring Viola's sobs, Carissa left for Zoey's room. Ivy administered further treatment. Zoey slowly recovered, but her expression remained vacant. She murmured, "Whatever dignity and reputation this family possessed is now lost."

A splitting headache overwhelmed her. Securing her children's futures—the concubines' children and those of the family's second branch—weighed heavily. How would they find suitable matches? Did they even have the right to be selective?

Luna wept beside her. Frustrated, she muttered, "If she'd gone to the countryside villa sooner, wouldn't that have been better? At least it's secluded, fewer people would know."

Carissa, unable to offer solace, looked to Ivy, who said, "Discussing this now is pointless. Health is paramount. Only then can you secure your children's future. Otherwise, wouldn't they be even more vulnerable?"

Carissa nodded, adding, "Yes, you need to recover so your children have someone to rely on and protect them."

Tears welled in Zoey's eyes. She knew she had to regain control. "Thank you, Your Grace. I'm sorry for troubling you."