Chapter 322

Silverstone Estate bustled with activity. Oliver's commanding position in the Hell Monarch Army infused the estate with excitement. Although the wedding was scheduled for the following day, festivities had already begun with a grand banquet.

When Viola received her divorce papers and left the Farrell family, they felt obligated to their former daughter-in-law. In addition to returning her dowry, they provided her with a substantial amount of silver coins, gave her Thomas's military pension, and purchased land for her.

Coming from a military background, the Farrells felt Viola shouldn't endure hardship. At the time, Viola had insisted she would never remarry. The Farrells worried that without money or land, her life would be difficult. Therefore, they gave her a considerable amount.

The wedding gown, from Enchanted Boutique (usually requiring a six-month advance booking), was secured for her with additional silver coins, ensuring she wore the boutique's most prestigious gown. Her dowry was repacked into new chests, totaling sixty-eight loads. Viola had learned that Carissa's dowry for marrying Rafael was only sixty-four loads. She intended to surpass Carissa in every way.

Carissa had divorced Barrett and left the Warren family. How she lived in glory after marrying into the royal family was her own business, but on her wedding day, Viola had to outshine her. Otherwise, how could Viola hold her head high entering the Warren family?

She had heard that Kyle had also left the capital. Only Sinclair family members had come to Northwatch Estate; it was unclear whether others hadn't been invited or simply hadn't attended.

Regardless, Carissa's wedding to the Hell Monarch was somewhat lacking in grandeur compared to Viola's. Viola was determined to make her own wedding more impressive.

The Hell Monarch, being royalty, wouldn't personally fetch his bride. However, Barrett would come to personally welcome her, which was another way to overshadow Carissa.

Viola wasn't interested in competing with Carissa, but given Carissa's past prominence, she, as the new wife, couldn't afford to be outshone.

Moreover, Viola believed Serena's assessment. Evelyn always insisted otherwise, but she was old, preoccupied with household affairs, and out of touch with romantic matters.

If Carissa hadn't liked Barrett, she wouldn't have married him in the first place. She wouldn't have waited for him for a year, managed the household, cared for his parents, or used her own dowry to treat her mother-in-law's illness.

A woman who loved someone didn't let go easily. When Thomas died, Viola was heartbroken for a long time, only slowly recovering after returning to her parents' home. Now, Viola was embarking on a new marriage. Despite the scandal that had surrounded the Warren family and the existence of a rightful wife bestowed by the king through an edict, she was still moved by Barrett's impressive demeanor when she met him.

Her brother had also said this marriage couldn't be refused. If Oliver wanted to maintain control over the army, he couldn't go against the prime minister's goodwill.

But this wasn't merely the prime minister's goodwill. The king was promoting Barrett, a young general. Rafael, being a prince, was a potential threat with too much power, which is why he had lost his military command and was marrying Carissa, a once-divorced woman.

Though Viola herself was also once divorced, her situation was different. Her previous husband had died in battle, and her in-laws had granted her a divorce out of sympathy.

Before Carissa received her divorce edict, she was to be cast aside. Carissa likely understood this, which is why she sought the divorce to leave the Warren family with some dignity.

Viola knew she could never truly compete with Carissa, but she had to outshine her on her wedding day. This would help establish her position in the Warren family.

She didn't intend to deliberately step on Carissa's toes. It was just that, having listened to Serena's words and recalling Carissa's calm demeanor that day, she felt Carissa was deliberately concealing her true feelings.

Such scheming was truly detestable. If Viola didn't tear down Carissa's facade, it would only embolden her further.