Chapter 451

Zoey sighed. "Viola wasn't invited to this banquet. She insisted on coming. After your son died in battle, she married into the Farrell family, yet you returned her dowry, gave her Thomas's pension, and even two more shops. Now, everything has been transferred to the Warren family. On her wedding day, she even compared her dowry to Lady Carissa's."

"This isn't something I should be telling you, but I couldn't bear to see you worrying. You shouldn't concern yourself with her affairs. It's more important to take care of your health. If Thomas's spirit sees you constantly unhappy, he might not rest in peace."

Alice was shocked. Viola was not someone Alice would have imagined behaving this way. She had always seemed proper and respectful of her elders. How had she become like this? Had Viola always been hypocritical, or had she changed?

Zoey looked at Alice, a phrase stuck in her throat, left unsaid.

"Thank you for informing me, Zoey," Alice said, her voice tinged with bitterness. "I once considered her a daughter and was unwilling to let her live as a widow in my family. Actually, she hasn't visited me once in the past few years. I should have known then. Well, since she has made her choice, whether it's fortunate or unfortunate, it's hers to bear."

Zoey bowed. "Please take care, Madam Alice."

There was nothing more to say. Continuing might reveal things meant to remain hidden. Alice was too distressed.

Opal, accompanying Alice, remained silent. She sensed Zoey was hiding something but felt it inappropriate to press further, as the matter concerned Viola. What good would it do to ask more?

Alice said to Opal, "Go accompany them for the flower viewing. I want to be alone for a while. The bougainvillea here is truly beautiful."

The bougainvillea in the corner bloomed vibrantly, contrasting with the pallor in her heart. Alice needed time to calm down. The banquet was about to begin; leaving would seem a slight to Helen and Carissa. However, it was hard for her to compose herself quickly.

She understood Zoey's intentions and Carissa's kindness. She accepted them both and realized Viola had no connection to the Farrell family anymore. Now that Viola had a husband, further conversation might lead to reproach from his family if others saw.

After calming down, as Alice was about to return to the theater area, she saw Viola approaching alone. Viola moved quickly and then swiftly hid behind a tree, as if afraid of being seen.

Viola hesitantly called out, her voice barely a whisper, "Mother."

Alice said quietly, "At this point, 'Madam' would be more appropriate. It's not right to call me that anymore."

Viola, having seen Zoey talking to Alice, was concerned about what might have been said, so she came over. Seeing Alice's aloof and distant attitude, she felt a pang of anxiety and asked, "What did my sister-in-law say to you?"

"Nothing much. She just advised me not to worry about you anymore."

+25 BONUS

Alice said, her heart aching as she looked at Viola's face. It felt like her heart was breaking. In letters from the battlefield, Thomas had always reminded Alice to take good care of Viola and not to make things difficult for her.

Knowing her son's deep affection for Viola, Alice had never imposed the strict rules other mothers-in-law might. She had always considered Viola a daughter, but how could she have fallen for someone like Barrett, who had abandoned his legitimate wife?

"Is that all she said?" Viola asked, looking at Alice.

"That's all." Alice didn't want to say more. She was already deeply disappointed. The term "mother" had been inappropriate; it should not have been used. Viola shouldn't have said it, and if she did, it shouldn't have been so subtle.

"Madam Alice, actually, my husband is not as people say. He is a righteous gentleman, just like Thomas. They're both"

"Be quiet!" Alice's expression changed abruptly. "Don't you dare compare Mr. Warren to my son! Every letter from the battlefield spoke of Thomas's care for you. After he married you, you didn't bear any children, but he didn't take any concubines because he promised he wouldn't. How can you compare my son to Mr. Warren?"