Chapter 574

Zoey was unconcerned with Evelyn's thoughts; her priority was a swift resolution. Since Thomas was alive, the Farrell family would naturally return his pension to the court. The king might grant a new pension for a different reason, but that was a separate matter. It was inappropriate to retain a death pension for a living person; it reflected poorly on everyone involved.

Without delay, Zoey and her companion visited the Farrell family. They found Alice overcome with delirious joy; the news of Thomas's survival had caused her to faint from excitement. She was now recovering in bed.

When Zoey explained their purpose—returning the pension and the shops' proceeds—the Farrell family was momentarily stunned. They hadn't expected to reclaim them from Viola.

Zoey smiled. "We're pleased Thomas is alive. Since he didn't die, the pension must be returned to the court. The Farrell family showed great kindness to Viola. However, given her remarriage, it's inappropriate for her to keep them. That's also her wish. She even wrote a letter inquiring about your health, Alice."

Zoey handed the letter to Opal, who now managed the Farrell family's affairs.

The letter offered congratulations and wished Alice a speedy recovery. It was signed "Mrs. Warren."

Opal nodded, smiled, and folded the letter. "Viola is thoughtful. Thank you for your consideration, Zoey."

Zoey replied, smiling, "Please take care of yourselves. Things will improve once Thomas returns."

"Yes," Alice said, her face serene. "It will be better, but I wonder when that will be. I can hardly wait."

"It should be soon. Don't worry. Take care of your health. There will be much to manage once he's back," Zoey said reassuringly.

Alice sighed softly. "You're right, but I wonder if he'll resent me for letting them drift apart." She knew her son and Viola shared a deep bond, yet she had granted Viola a letter of divorce.

Zoey understood. "If it's meant to be, it will be. Alice, don't dwell on it. What matters is everyone's well-being."

"It's just that she wasted years of her life," Alice said. Even having seen a different side of Viola that day, she still felt the mother-in-law/daughter-in-law bond.

"We'll accept the pension, but there's no need to return the shops. I willingly gave them to her."

"Alice, you treated Viola like a daughter. She hasn't been wronged. We'll return her dowry in full, with added gold and jewelry. Since the shops are officially hers, we'll convert their value to silver for you. This way, Thomas's new wife won't be jealous."

Zoey genuinely wanted what was best for Thomas. She knew that his future wife knowing about the shops given to his ex-wife would be a problem. After some discussion, Alice agreed.

After Zoey left, Alice asked Opal, "What do you think of Zoey's actions? Is she worried Thomas will cling to Viola?"

Opal paused, shaking her head. "No, it seems she's worried Viola might cling to him."

"How could that be? She's married."

Opal knew Alice wasn't familiar with the Warren family situation. To avoid causing worry, she replied, "Regardless of Zoey's intent, the Prince family returned the pension and money in exchange for the shops. This clearly ends things between Thomas and Viola, making it easier for Thomas to court someone new."

"True, that makes sense. Zoey is a sensible woman. She genuinely wants what's best for us."

Opal nodded. "Yes, she does."

But Opal was confused. Sisters-in-law usually support each other publicly, and Zoey didn't seem petty. Why was she acting this way? That, she decided, was a matter for the Prince family.