Chapter 599

Zoey closed her eyes and rubbed her temples. The situation was overwhelming and frustrating, giving her a headache.

Jane urged her, "Madam Zoey, if you tell Mr. Farrell, the Earl of Silverstone's family will lose all dignity if he makes a scene. You absolutely cannot do that! And if the Earl finds out you instigated it, he'll be furious!"

Thinking of her husband in the Southern Frontier only worsened Zoey's headache. In the capital, Oliver had listened to her, often taking her advice. They could usually discuss issues without major conflict.

However, disagreements were frequent. She had to patiently analyze each issue and convince him gradually. It was like teaching a child.

Even when Oliver complied, resentment lingered. He struggled to accept a wife with a broader vision than his own—a fundamental dilemma in Zoey's life. Everyone faces disappointments and burdens.

Kayla lived a good life now, but who knew the pain she'd endured? Carissa basked in Prince Rafael's love, envied by many, but who understood the anguish of losing her entire family? Fate deals everyone suffering; it's up to them to manage it and create a smooth path for their lives.

Unlike Viola, who pursued anything good only to abandon it at the first sign of trouble. This fickleness betrayed womanly virtue and basic principles.

After a long silence, Zoey said slowly, "Jane, I am the Earl of Silverstone's wife. I must consider our family's future. I won't oppose Viola's divorce, but if she clings to Thomas and hopes to return to his wealth, she doesn't deserve it. It would weigh on my conscience. I know Thomas. Even if he finds out, he wouldn't make a fuss. This also concerns the Farrell family's reputation. Telling him would only incur the resentment of my mother-in-law, my husband, and Viola."

She rubbed her forehead. "If I ignore everything, I won't offend anyone. But if she returns to Thomas, the Earl of Silverstone's family reputation will be ruined. Our unmarried daughters will struggle to find suitable matches, and my daughter will suffer most. And if the Farrell family learns of this… the consequences are obvious."

Jane sympathized. Zoey would bear the burden, so she suggested, "Why not discuss it with Madam Evelyn? She might offer insight."

"Mother won't agree to tell Thomas."

+25 BONUS

"That would still be Madam Evelyn's decision, so you wouldn't bear the blame later."

Zoey sighed, feeling new wrinkles forming. "Jane, do I seem afraid of blame? I want a clear conscience. I shouldn't have helped her. I considered that she and Thomas were still married at heart. She cried and begged, swearing she wouldn't repeat it. I was too softhearted."

"But that's not your fault! Madam Evelyn insisted you help her," Jane said, unable to watch her mistress's self-reproach. She knew the circumstances and had personally prepared the medicine.

"Few know about this. But if anyone suspects, the truth will come out quickly. The physician's prescription matches her recuperation at Silverstone Estate."

Thomas was unaware of Viola's return. But once Viola divorced Barrett, the Farrell family would certainly inquire. Thomas might wonder what illness required Viola to stay at her family home for over a month.

The Farrell family hadn't suspected anything then, but reflecting on Viola's turbulent marriage and divorce, doubts would certainly arise.

"Summon Viola home tomorrow," Zoey said firmly. She would use this to ensure Viola could divorce Barrett, but not return to Thomas. That line could not be crossed.