Chapter 1158

Evelyn remained lost in a tumultuous mix of joy and sorrow, clinging to Isaac’s sleeve, her gaze devouring him. Tears streamed down her face.

“Can you forgive me, son? I truly didn’t know… I’ve avenged you, I swear. Please, forgive me.”

Isaac was silent for a long moment before shaking his head.

“Madam Prince, Seraphina is dead. However, he didn't die in the fire. Not long after being sent to Gravelstone Peak, he was tortured to death. Reverend Lazarus subjected him to backbreaking labor, beatings, and abuse, ultimately leaving him to die, thrown out like refuse and devoured by wolves.”

“That’s impossible!” Evelyn’s eyes widened. “You admitted it before, so why are you telling me something different now? You’re still angry at me, aren’t you?”

Isaac withdrew his hand, his expression calming. “I was a novice priest at the temple, the same as he was. I was close to him, so I know what happened. But I am not him.”

“Look at your face…”

“Mother!” Zoey interjected. “He’s just my brother-in-law’s friend. He’s not my brother-in-law.”

Evelyn looked at Zoey, confused. But he was Seraphina!

Zoey turned to Isaac. “You should go now. I’ll see you in a couple of days.”

“You can’t leave! You can’t!” Evelyn desperately tried to hold onto Isaac, but he had already risen and was walking away.

“Mother,” Zoey gently placed a hand on Evelyn’s shoulder. “Don’t force it. You know he’s alive. Isn’t that enough? You don’t know what he’s been through, or if he harbors resentment. If you feel guilty, make amends. Transfer most of the family’s assets to him. With time, he’ll come around, and one day, he’ll let it go. The past can’t be changed, and the dead can’t be brought back. But as long as you know he’s alive, even without acknowledging each other, what’s the problem? Isn’t that better than believing he was dead?”

Evelyn seemed to regain her composure. “Right. I will make amends. If you agree, that would be even better.”

Zoey readily agreed; in fact, it would be best if everything were given to Isaac.

A lingering unease gnawed at Zoey as she glanced at Evelyn. She couldn’t shake the feeling that the older woman wasn’t being entirely truthful.

Zoey had no intention of letting Isaac claim his inheritance. He had never known the privileges of the Earl of Silverstone’s family, so why should he bear its burdens? No, he shouldn't.

Relief washed over Zoey. As long as Isaac didn’t claim the title, there was hope. He was a member of the Pathfinders Guild, and she trusted them. By transferring everything to Isaac, she ensured that, should disaster strike, the family’s children would at least have shelter and food.

After leaving Evelyn, Zoey sought out Caspian and Luna. There were many things she hadn’t told them, but now, it was time.

“When Oliver went to the Southern Frontier,” Zoey began, her voice steady but serious, “I sent people with him. They report back on his situation—his contacts and actions. He’s become involved with a traitor. This woman was innocent, but foolishly aligned herself with the guilty. Once they act, Oliver will be held accountable, and we’ll be dragged into it too. I don’t know what will become of our family, but it will be tumultuous. So, I cannot allow Isaac to be involved. Remember, Seraphina Prince is dead. The person tonight was merely his friend.”

Caspian and Luna were stunned, their faces pale.

“Can we not talk Oliver out of it?” Caspian asked, desperation in his voice. “We can ask him to sever ties before it’s too late.”

Zoey’s expression darkened. “I’ve tried. I warned him, but he refused to listen. That woman… she’s carrying his child, and he’s obsessed with her. Recently, I received a letter stating his intention to marry her.”

“What?!” Caspian jumped up, fury evident. “How could he? I’ll go to the Southern Frontier myself and knock some sense into him!”

“Don’t be rash. You can’t go to the Southern Frontier,” Zoey sharply intervened. “Be reasonable. After his letter, I ceased all communication—no more letters or money.”

Caspian and Luna were surprised by Zoey’s thoroughness. No wonder she had seemed so troubled.