Chapter 1181
Zoey, with Jane in tow, arrived swiftly after hearing of her daughter's injury. Courtney's face was swollen, marked by a thin scratch, but Catherine had already treated the wound. Zoey offered a few comforting words before immediately proceeding to Elegance Grove to thank Catherine.
There, Carissa, Vera, and Zoey conferred. Carissa clearly explained the situation and summoned Jocelyn and Courtney, along with several student witnesses, to facilitate questioning.
Vera's face darkened. She was furious with Jocelyn's poor judgment and bringing the matter to the academy, but even more enraged by Courtney's claim that Thomas showed no interest in her daughter. Such rumors, she feared, could irrevocably damage her daughter's reputation.
Ultimately, however, it was Jocelyn who had struck someone—a transgression beyond a simple argument. Vera could only offer Zoey a half-hearted apology.
“Although the girls were merely quarreling, my daughter was wrong to resort to violence. Please, don't hold it against her, Mrs. Prince,” Vera pleaded.
Zoey observed Jocelyn's lingering resentment and grievance, noting that an outsider might mistake her for the victim.
“She's an adult now, and must accept responsibility for her actions. If she struck someone, she must apologize. Forgiveness, however, is my prerogative,” Zoey replied coolly.
Vera assessed the situation. The Earl of Silverstone's family owed the Quintons a degree of respect. Carissa clearly aimed for a peaceful resolution. This was why she had summoned them.
Vera had already conceded, but Zoey's coolness embarrassed her in front of the assembled students, who would undoubtedly recount the event.
Vera straightened. If this was to escalate, she would manage it accordingly. Despite knowing the details, she maintained her composure, questioning the students about the argument's genesis and escalation. Unafraid to contradict Jocelyn's friends in the headmistress's presence, they provided an honest account.
Vera seized upon Courtney's words, a sharp laugh escaping her. “Oh? How thoughtful of you to defend General Farrell, Ms. Prince. But if you felt compelled to defend him, why claim he has no interest in my daughter? Such a statement jeopardizes her reputation! Your words were reckless, Ms. Prince. If expulsion is considered, both girls should face it.”
She leveled a cold gaze at Courtney. “And regarding the Farrell family and your aunt—how dare you discuss such matters? Have you no shame?”
Courtney's voice was hoarse. “She started it! Why can she speak, but I can't respond?”
“Such a sharp tongue,” Vera sneered, turning to Zoey. “Mrs. Prince, as lady of the house, you should better control your children. A young woman who argues with elders will be difficult to marry off.”
The veiled threat was clear. Vera, well-connected, knew Zoey sought a suitable match for Courtney. The remark about marriageability was a thinly disguised warning; further escalation could lead to damaging rumors.
Zoey understood the threat perfectly. Previously, she might have cared, but Viola's actions had already tarnished the Earl of Silverstone's reputation. She had nothing left to lose.
A sense of recklessness had settled over her.
“Let's remain focused, Mrs. Quinton. The headmistress and teachers are present; the facts are clear. The argument was verbal. My daughter's words about General Farrell may have been blunt, but likely truthful. You can't expect your daughter to be universally adored.
If Ms. Quinton found it insulting, she shouldn't have discussed it at the academy. She initiated the conversation and cannot blame others for responding. Disagreement is acceptable, violence is not.”
An almost manic intensity underlay Zoey's calm demeanor.
“I demand your daughter apologize and be expelled. Those are my terms,” she declared.