Chapter 1150
Viola’s tears flowed freely. “But Barrett is so useless!” she cried, her voice trembling. “He’s become a lowly soldier! How will I ever face anyone again? I simply refused to demean myself. When Carissa wanted a divorce, she even sought a royal edict. Her determination was evident. How could I possibly lose to her?”
Poppy wanted to comfort Viola, to acknowledge the difficulty of her situation, but hesitated. Instead, she said, “There’s no valid comparison. Everyone’s path is different. Some are less fortunate than Lady Carissa, others more so. Even if she currently holds an advantage, that doesn’t make her invincible.”
Viola’s bitterness intensified. “Why didn’t you say this sooner?”
“Because you wouldn’t have listened,” Poppy replied, then dismissed the coachman. “Sir, we may depart now.”
Viola slumped against the embroidered cushion, a profound unease settling over her. A chilling dread gripped her; she might truly be alone for the rest of her life. She couldn't be like Carissa, who, even after divorce, married a handsome, accomplished prince with significant military achievements.
Clutching Poppy’s hand, her face ashen, Viola whispered, “Poppy, do you think Barrett will ever amount to anything? Achieve any military merit?”
“My lady, fate is unpredictable,” Poppy answered. “He might rise to become a general, or he might fall and never recover. His Majesty might even reclaim Valor Estate.”
“As he is, he’ll achieve nothing. If I remain with him, I’ll lose everything. His Majesty might seize Valor Estate, ruining my life. No, my choices were not wrong. I am not wrong,” Viola murmured.
Initially, she had admired Barrett—handsome, favored by the king, their marriage arranged by the prime minister’s wife. Over time, however, his indecisiveness, emotional volatility, and lack of direction became apparent. He also had a domineering wife and a dazzling ex-wife, leaving Viola, the Earl of Silverstone’s third daughter, feeling utterly ordinary.
Before marrying into the Warren family, she envisioned love and acceptance. Reality proved a harsh disappointment. Her resentment of Barrett’s shortcomings grew, ultimately driving them apart.
Chapter 1150
The following day, despite family objections, Barrett departed for the Southern Frontier, armed with orders from the Ministry of Defense. He’d already applied for re-enlistment, his options limited to the Southern Frontier, Victory Pass, or a remote outpost. He’d served at an outpost early in his career, gaining merit suppressing bandits alongside two generals; he’d also served at Victory Pass and the Southern Frontier, leaving those three as his only choices.
He chose the Southern Frontier. He couldn’t face the Sullivan family, nor serve under Thomas. It was his only recourse. Given his amicable divorce and status as a common soldier, Oliver wouldn't hinder him.
Zoey’s illness struck suddenly and severely, then gradually subsided. Perhaps she welcomed the respite, for though improved, she remained in bed. Carissa and Violet visited, their presence brightening her face. Yet, despite her ailment, her plans remained undeterred.
She sold property, concealing the funds not in a bank, but hidden beneath the floorboards of a house from her dowry. Leveraging her position as the Earl of Silverstone’s wife, she established a soup kitchen on the city’s outskirts.
People believed she sought to rehabilitate the family’s reputation, but her motives were deeper. Reputation was multifaceted. Even charitable acts couldn't erase the moral damage caused by Viola. People might acknowledge the family's kindness, but the household's corruption remained.
Therefore, Zoey had her children and even the concubines’ children assist with food distribution—not for charity's sake, but to keep them removed from the family's troubles. Her true aim was to cultivate a reputation for kindness, hoping that should misfortune befall the Earl of Silverstone’s family, someone would remember her good deeds and defend them in court, ensuring their plight wouldn't affect future generations. She also hoped that those who benefited from the family would speak up in their defense when criticism arose.
Chapter 1151