Chapter 448

Viola's expression froze. The Farrell family? It was a distant memory she had nearly forgotten. She hurriedly took a seat in a corner, unsure which Farrell family member had arrived. Her former mother-in-law was unlikely to be present, as she preferred to stay home and rarely ventured out.

However, as she settled, she saw Opal assisting her former mother-in-law, Alice, into the room, followed by several young Farrell women.

"Madam Opal," Carissa quickly stepped forward, greeting Opal and then Alice politely. "How is your health, Madam Alice?"

Seeing Carissa, Alice's eyes softened with sympathy, and she felt a pang of sadness. But she knew the importance of the occasion and kept her emotions in check, smiling as she replied, "Thank you, Lady Carissa. Everything is well."

After speaking, Alice, along with Opal and the younger women, went forward to pay their respects to Helen and exchanged pleasantries with the attending princesses. Alice's gaze swept across the room, and she noticed Viola.

She was momentarily taken aback, then walked straight to Viola. "Viola, it's been a long time. How have you been?"

Alice was unaware of Viola's marriage. Despite the uproar in the capital about the simultaneous weddings of Viola and the Hell Monarch's princess consort, Opal had ordered that no one mention Viola's marriage to Barrett in Alice's presence. As a result, Alice remained in the dark. The others in the room also realized Alice's unawareness.

The atmosphere grew awkwardly silent. Even those who usually enjoyed such dramatic events remained unusually quiet.

Alice's situation was truly tragic. She had three sons, two of whom died young. Only Thomas survived, but despite his early fame and valor on the battlefield, he perished in combat and would never return. So, when Alice, with tears in her eyes, addressed Viola as if she were still her daughter-in-law, it inevitably tugged at the heartstrings of everyone present.

Viola stood up, her voice barely audible as she said, "Madam Alice, I am well, thanks to your kindness."

She couldn't meet Alice's gaze directly, her eyes darting around, her lips trembling.

Alice was momentarily taken aback. Seeing the silence of the crowd, including Opal and Evelyn, she suddenly began to understand.

Serena, who had been silent since entering the main hall, seized the opportunity to speak. She quickly approached and linked her arm with Viola's. "Madam Alice, this is my sister-in-law."

Alice looked at Serena, unsure of her identity.

She heard Opal softly explain, "This is the daughter of the Warren family. As for Viola, she is now Mr. Warren's wife."

Alice was aware of Barrett's pursuit of Aurora through his military achievements, as Opal hadn't kept that from her. However, the news of Viola's marriage to Barrett had been concealed.

Upon hearing that Viola had married Barrett, Alice was stunned, disbelief evident in her voice.

Chapter 401 + 25 BONUS

"General Warren? Barrett Warren?"

Viola nodded slightly. "Yes."

Alice's face went pale. When her son died in battle, she didn't want her daughter-in-law to remain a widow for the rest of her life, so she allowed Viola to leave, hoping she would find someone who would treat her well. She never expected it would be Barrett, who was known for seeking another wife after his military successes.

Alice had a low opinion of Barrett. She believed that the Farrell family, being a family of military officials, would not behave in such a manner. The fact that Viola had married Barrett was beyond her expectations.

Alice's voice trembled slightly as she asked, "Does does he treat you well?" Once the question was out, she felt she had overstepped. Viola and the Farrell family were no longer connected.

"Yes, he does," Viola said, clearly wanting to end the conversation. She also didn't want Serena to hold onto her any longer, so she pulled her arm away and suggested, "Let's not stay here any longer. Why don't we go outside and enjoy the flowers?"