Chapter 508

Rebecca’s vision went black. She lurched forward and fainted. Barrett quickly caught her, setting aside his anger. He urgently called out, “Someone, fetch a physician! Now!”

Tears streamed down Serena’s face as she rushed to Viola. “What are you doing? Are you trying to anger Mom to death? You insisted on buying the tiara, and now you regret it?!”

Viola stepped back, feeling helpless as she watched. Powerlessness, mixed with frustration and pain, washed over her. She had spent 36,800 silver coins on the jewelry, only to receive their reproach.

Was she to blame for everything?

The commotion of summoning the physician created a chaotic scene in the middle of the night. Viola wiped away her tears and used a handkerchief to clean Rebecca’s face and hands.

The physician diagnosed Rebecca with a fainting spell caused by acute anger, reassuring them it wasn’t serious and that a few doses of medicine would suffice.

When Rebecca regained consciousness, Barrett’s anger had subsided. He knelt by the bed and apologized. “I shouldn’t have spoken so harshly and made you faint. I’m at fault.”

Rebecca looked at Viola weakly. “About the ruby tiara…keep it a secret. No one must know it was bought with Thomas’s pension.”

Viola looked at Barrett, who pulled her down to her knees beside him. Despite the warm May weather, a chill ran through her. The cold floor seeped into her knees.

She could only apologize, her voice trembling. “I’m sorry.”

As a remarried woman, she couldn’t bear the guilt of causing her mother-in-law to faint. Despite her grievances and resentment, she had no choice but to accept the situation. Her furious husband, ready to defend her, was now filled with regret, showing no further interest in the tiara.

Her heart ached with cold disappointment.

Rebecca took a deep breath. “Enough. You all leave. Serena will stay to look after me.”

Barrett said, “Mom, let Viola stay. She’s always cared for you.”

“No, send her out,” Rebecca insisted, still furious, her breathing rapid. “Have her leave and make sure the others keep quiet. We can’t have them spreading this around.” She had to appear furious; otherwise, the blame would fall on the Warren family.

Viola felt a deep, bitter sorrow. She stood and walked out like a lifeless doll. Barrett chased after her, trying to pull her back, but she shook him off and continued numbly.

Chapter 508 +25 BONUS

Even if Barrett had simply held her hand, as Rafael held Carissa’s, the 36,800 silver coins would have felt worthwhile. She had experienced the intimacy of intertwined fingers before, the special importance and mutual joy. She craved that unique closeness of married life, not just mutual respect.

Barrett watched her go, after she brushed off his hand. Thinking about the use of Thomas’s pension, he felt deep discomfort and irritation. He retreated to his study alone.

Viola waited, hoping for comfort, but Julia informed her that Barrett had retired to his study.

She covered her face, tears slipping through her fingers. She remembered collecting the banknotes with her sister-in-law. Zoey’s icy demeanor and single sentence chilled her to the bone while simultaneously burning her with heat, a torment of ice and fire.

Handing over the payment with a disdainful look, Zoey said, “You know you have no right to use his pension. I hope you never forget how you disappointed him.”

Those words resurrected painful memories Viola had desperately tried to bury. There were things she deeply regretted, but it was too late. It had been a moment of poor judgment, a lapse she wished she could forget. Why did Zoey have to keep reminding her?

A muffled laugh from outside startled her. She jumped up. “Who’s there?”