Chapter 537

Barrett looked at Viola, his heart heavy as he recalled her two deceased maids.

“I’m sorry about Julia and Yvonne,” he said. “It’s my fault; I couldn’t protect them.”

Viola clenched her fists. “Tell me,” she demanded, “what is my place in your heart? Don’t change the subject.”

Leaning against a nearby tree, Barrett took a deep breath to steady himself, trying to calm his anger. He spoke softly, “I’m not changing the subject. I deeply regret and mourn their deaths. As for your place in my heart, it is naturally that of a primary wife.”

“Just that?” Viola pressed, tears welling up in her swollen eyes. “Do you feel no affection for me? Don’t you have any feelings for me at all?”

Barrett was momentarily stunned. He looked at Viola and opened his mouth, intending to explain that their marriage had been arranged by Natalie with the king’s blessing—a simple union of families. As long as they treated each other with respect, that was enough. But seeing her tears, he couldn’t bring himself to say it. He had never expected her to ask about his feelings.

Seeing his silence, Viola understood and smiled bitterly. “So, there’s no affection, only the duties of a married couple.”

Barrett’s gaze was troubled. “As your husband, it is my duty to respect and protect you…”

“The assassins killed Julia and Yvonne,” Viola interrupted, taking a step back. The heartbreak was clear in her eyes. “When they came for me, you fought desperately to protect me—was it only out of duty? Just duty?”

“I… you are my wife, so it’s only natural for me to protect you,” Barrett said, guilt gnawing at him as he thought of his past treatment of Carissa.

Utterly disappointed, Viola wiped away her tears. “Since I entered your family, I’ve managed the household, served your mother, put up with your sister, and even endured your vile and venomous other wife. And now you tell me you don’t love me at all? Why did I sacrifice so much for you?”

Chapter 537 (Continued)

Barrett didn’t know how to respond. He stared at her blankly before asking, “What do you want me to do?”

“What do I want you to do? Are you really asking me that?” Viola laughed through her tears, her composure shattered. “Your salary, combined with your father’s and older brother’s, can’t even cover your family’s expenses. How long can your reward of a hundred gold coins last? I’ve already been using my dowry to supplement the household, and now you ask me what you should do? All I ask is for a bit of sincerity. Are you really so clueless, or do you just not care? Or is your heart entirely with Lady Carissa?”

Barrett opened his mouth, but no words came. He couldn’t bear to hurt Viola, yet couldn’t bring himself to admit his lack of feeling for her. Finally, he said, “From now on, don’t use your own money to support the residence. I’ll work hard to earn more. I’ll make sure Julia and Yvonne’s families are well taken care of. If there isn’t enough money, I’ll borrow from elsewhere.”

With that, he stumbled away, enduring the pain from his injuries. Viola broke down in tears. She had spoken openly, and he should have given some response, even if only to spare her feelings. Yet, it seemed his heart belonged to Carissa.

Chapter 537 (Continued)

At that moment, Carissa was in the royal study. “Greetings, Your Majesty!” she knelt, offering a respectful salute. Given her official position, this was required in a formal setting.

“Rise!” Salvador smiled. “Have a seat.”

“Your Majesty, I can’t,” Carissa replied, shaking her head.

“Please, sit. Besides Derek, there is no one else here.” Salvador waved a servant forward. “Have some coffee brought in.”

Carissa inclined her head. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

After the coffee arrived, Carissa took a sip and waited for Salvador to speak. He made small talk, inquiring about Helen’s well-being, before getting to the point.

“I heard that a few days ago, Valor Estate was attacked, and you went to their aid. Were you injured?”

Carissa understood her summons. “I wasn’t injured, Your Majesty. Thank you for your concern.”

Salvador nodded. “That’s good.” He took a sip of coffee, set down his cup, and looked intently at Carissa. “By the way, how did you learn about the attack on Valor Estate that night? It couldn’t have been a coincidence that you were passing by with your Rose Spear, could it?” His gaze was sharp, assessing Carissa’s expression.

Chapter 536 (Mentioned, but no text provided) You would need to provide the text of Chapter 536 for me to clean it up.