Chapter 575

News of Thomas's survival reached Barrett, including the fact that Viola had returned his pension and the shops' income. However, he didn't know that Viola's family had helped her repay everything.

Since the assassination attempt and Viola's questioning of his feelings, little conversation had passed between them. After hearing about Thomas's survival, Barrett hesitated before finally entering Grace Mansion.

Viola sat on the couch, lost in thought. Seeing him enter, backlit by the sunlight, she froze, almost calling out the name constantly on her mind. Realizing it was Barrett, her face darkened.

"I thought you'd forgotten the entrance to Grace Mansion," she said coldly. "It's rare to see you here."

Barrett dismissed the maids before sitting. "I heard about Thomas."

Viola's voice remained icy. "And what of it?"

Barrett continued, "I know you're disappointed in me and my family. Now that Thomas is back, if he doesn't mind your previous marriage and you want to reunite, I can help."

In a fit of anger, Viola hurled a teacup at him. "Barrett, you jerk! What do you take me for? Do you think I'm the kind of woman who changes loyalties on a whim?"

Barrett remained unmoved, letting the cup strike him. His expression became uncertain, lost.

"That's not what I meant. I just feel my family has treated you unfairly. If there's still a bond between you and Thomas, I'm willing to step aside."

Viola laughed bitterly, her anger flaring. "Step aside for me? You've never seen me as your wife! If you had any sincerity, you wouldn't say such a thing."

Her fury wasn't solely directed at Barrett. Before Zoey's repayment, she might have welcomed his offer to let her go. Lately, she'd been recalling her time with Thomas, finding no comparison to her life with Barrett.

Moreover, Valor Estate was a facade. The Warren family was destitute, barely surviving and supporting two branches. All their savings, shops, and estates had been sold; only King Augustus's bestowal of the estate prevented its sale. Barrett's prospects were bleak, and Aurora's presence constantly threatened more assassins.

But Thomas was different. A victorious military commander, he was likely to be promoted and honored. Yet, Zoey had crushed Viola's hope, leaving her trapped with the Warrens.

Covering her face, she cried. Marrying Barrett had never been her choice; Natalie had arranged it, hinting at the king's wish. How could Viola refuse?

Seeing her cry, Barrett sighed with almost imperceptible relief. He gently pulled her into an embrace.

His eyes reflected helplessness as he murmured, "Don't cry. It's my fault. I shouldn't have asked like that. When I heard Thomas was alive, I was afraid you still had feelings for him. I I guess I was jealous."

He awkwardly turned away, uncomfortable with his admission.

"Jealous?" Viola was stunned.

She pushed him away, staring at the flush on his face. Her heart tightened.

"You're lying! You don't even like me. How could you be jealous?"

Barrett looked at her hand, then took it. His gaze dropped as he sighed.

"I don't know why. But when I heard Thomas was alive, I was scared you'd leave me. I didn't want to hear you end our marriage, so I acted casually."

"Really?"

Viola's tearful eyes brightened. Despite her disdain for the Warrens, she had once felt something for Barrett. If he felt it sincerely, she was willing to continue their life together.

Barrett avoided her gaze, pulling her back into his arms. He softly asked, "Am I selfish? I hope you don't think so."

Viola's tears fell. "I'd rather you be a little selfish than treat me like a stranger."