Chapter 314

+25 BONUS

Carissa hadn't been entirely clear that day, primarily because Viola seemed quite happy with her match to Barrett. If Carissa had outright stated Barrett's interest in her dowry, it would only have fueled Viola's resentment and suspicion, making her believe Carissa was intentionally slandering him.

"But my daughter is foolish," Evelyn continued. "When Mrs. Murray came and asked her about this match, Viola agreed without a second thought. It was a marriage we couldn't refuse, and I suspect you understand the reasons."

Carissa nodded. "I have a general idea."

The crux of the matter was Oliver taking over the Hell Monarch. The king wished for Barrett to marry into the Prince family; this alliance would allow Oliver to promote Barrett. If the Earl of Silverstone's family objected, the Hell Monarch Army would likely change its general. Given the Earl of Silverstone's declining family and reputation, they couldn't afford to miss such an opportunity.

"You didn't say a single bad word about Barrett that day, and Viola believes you didn't tarnish his reputation. Because of that, she doesn't hold a grudge."

At first glance, this logic seemed flawed, but Carissa understood the implication. That day, Carissa hadn't pondered deeply—she'd merely observed Viola's words and realized Viola was interested in Barrett. Regardless of whether Barrett had schemed to keep Carissa's dowry, Viola was set on marrying him.

Thus, when Viola and Evelyn came to see her, their real intent wasn't to gauge Barrett's character but to assess Carissa's feelings toward him—whether there was animosity or affection. Hatred might have led Carissa to slander him; affection would naturally make her adversarial. Since Carissa felt neither, Viola felt reassured. Carissa understood Viola's true intentions and chose to reveal only part of the truth.

Evelyn continued, "The Warren family originally planned for Barrett to divorce you unilaterally to claim your entire dowry. Barrett disagreed, insisting he didn't want a penny of it. However, when Aurora sent a letter asking him to withhold half the dowry, he changed his stance. You didn't mention this that day, which made Viola feel much better."

Carissa thought Amelia truly couldn't control things at Valor Estate. The servants' gossip was so extensive that even the inner court's private matters were easily uncovered and detailed.

Carissa smiled slightly. "I see."

She had little to say to Evelyn and was unsure why she was revealing these things now.

Seeing Carissa remain silent, Evelyn was quiet for a moment before speaking softly, "If Viola ever offends you in the future, I hope you can forgive her."

+25 BONUS

Chapter 314

That was the crux of the matter.

"I don't quite understand. Could you please clarify, Madam Prince?" Carissa asked.

Evelyn's expression became awkward. "It's the young lady from the Warren family. She visited our residence a few days ago and said something in front of Viola. It's somewhat difficult to speak of, but… she suggested you're still pining for Barrett. She implied the divorce was something you had to do, hoping he would try to persuade you to stay. Little did you know, he didn't try to keep you. That's probably the gist of it."

Carissa took a sip of coffee, her expression unchanged. "Are you talking about Serena? And Ms. Prince believed this?"

"I told her not to believe it, but she did. She thinks…" Evelyn hesitated, clearly uncomfortable, struggling to articulate her thoughts.

Carissa set down her cup, raising an eyebrow slightly as she spoke for the older woman.

"She thinks a general as mighty and handsome as Barrett must be loved by every woman, especially since I was once his wife. It's only natural for a wife to deeply love her husband, and it would be inconceivable for me to forget him so quickly. Moreover, we once fought on the battlefield together. But since the Hell Monarch has a prestigious status, I'm marrying him so Barrett would regret his decision. Is that what she believes?"

Evelyn was stunned, her eyes wide as she murmured, "Did you overhear her speaking in our residence? How is it that your explanation is almost identical to what she said?"

Carissa looked at her calmly. "Madam Prince, please inform Ms. Prince that since I never loved him, there is nothing to forget. Goodbye!"