Chapter 1154

Before long, two drunken figures arrived at Silverstone Estate. Knowing Violet's status, the gate was opened for them, even at that late hour. As Zoey was still recovering, a servant informed Caspian and Luna.

Both Caspian and Luna were surprised. What could Violet want at this hour?

"She brought a man with her? Who is this man?" Caspian asked, confused.

The gatekeeper hesitated. "I've never seen him before, Mr. Caspian. His demeanor was… unpleasant. He kicked over two chairs, muttering about unfair treatment and someone having gone too far."

Caspian frowned. "Is he here to cause trouble? Could it be someone Viola offended?" He'd grown wary; whenever trouble arose, he suspected Viola's involvement.

"I don't think so," the gatekeeper replied, then cautiously added, "He was cursing Madam Evelyn and… and the late master."

Caspian, a dutiful son, was furious at the thought of anyone cursing his deceased father and ailing mother. He immediately stood, snapping, "Let's go. I'll see who dares to make a scene in our home." He believed the deceased deserved utmost respect; only a person of poor character would speak ill of them. Furious, he stormed off with Luna.

Someone had already reported Isaac's chair-kicking incident to Zoey. Everyone knew that when things escalated, she was the one to restore order. While Caspian was an official, his gentle nature made him ill-suited to managing a raging drunkard.

Hearing that Violet had brought the troublemaker, and that he'd insulted her deceased father-in-law and ailing mother-in-law, Zoey rose immediately. She quickly donned a robe, tidied her appearance, and set out with Jane's assistance.

Her health had improved, though she still felt weak. The sharp autumn wind, however, invigorated her as she walked briskly.

Reaching the main hall, she found her usually calm brother-in-law's face darkened with fury, directed at the cursing man.

"Enough!" Caspian shouted. "How dare you speak like that about my father? Do you have any respect at all?"

As Caspian spoke, Isaac grabbed his shirt, fist raised to strike.

Zoey's voice rang out urgently, "Hold on!"

Hearing Zoey, Isaac hesitated, then relaxed his hand, shoving Caspian aside. Caspian stumbled, but Luna caught him.

Throughout the commotion, Violet remained silent, watching with bleary eyes from her armchair. Zoey's arrival finally roused her; she rose unsteadily and gave a tipsy bow.

"Madam Zoey, my apologies," she slurred.

Zoey knew Violet wasn't reckless or indiscreet. If she'd brought this man to cause trouble, there must be a reason.

Zoey studied Isaac intently; he seemed vaguely familiar, though his disheveled state—flushed cheeks, tousled hair, wild eyes—made it difficult to place him. Perhaps she hadn't seen him before.

"Madam Zoey, this is Isaac Prince—Cari's senior guild member and fifth apprentice in the Pathfinders Guild," Violet stated directly. "He's here to see Madam Evelyn. Would you kindly take him to her?"

Zoey thought of Yves, the man who'd bought her shop—Carissa's senior guild member and fourth apprentice of the Pathfinders Guild. This man was the fifth.

Was there a problem with property deals? Had Bernard deceived him, overcharging due to his outsider status?

"There's no need to involve Mother," Zoey said. "Tell me what's going on. I can handle it."

Isaac collapsed into a chair beside Violet, breathing heavily. His eyes scanned the hall, the courtyard—he recognized it all. Nearly twenty years had passed since his last visit, yet his memory remained exceptional. He remembered more than just the surroundings; he remembered Caspian. Most vividly, he remembered his grandfather—now gone.

Born here, returning felt like stepping into a past that no longer acknowledged him. There was no warmth, no laughter—only the cold, watchful eyes of strangers. The rejection hit him like a wave, surfacing his frustrations and bitterness.

His head spun; he felt miserable. Fighting back nausea, he lifted his gaze to Zoey, his eyes bloodshot and filled with pain.

"You can handle it, huh?" Isaac spat bitterly. "Then go ask her—why was she so heartless? Why did she abandon her own son without a second thought?"