Chapter 600

The next day, Zoey sent someone to fetch Viola to Silverstone Estate. Viola, however, replied that she was unwell and would come another time. She was planning how to discuss a divorce with Barrett and didn't want her family to know yet.

Barrett, however, had been working night shifts. He slept during the day, leaving little time for them to talk. She couldn't just bring up the divorce without preparation; some sort of upheaval was necessary first.

Since her visit to Richspire Peak, Viola had been utterly exhausted. She slept through the afternoon for two days, not waking even when Barrett returned from his shift. Only when Poppy roused her for dinner did she finally stir.

Viola was plagued by fatigue, drowsiness, and nausea. Her period was also several days late. Combining these facts, she worried she might be pregnant.

Calculating the dates, she remembered Barrett had spent nearly every night at Grace Mansion during the most romantic period of their marriage. Panic set in; she fervently hoped she wasn't pregnant.

Too afraid to call a physician to the house, she donned a veil and went with Poppy to a doctor's office.

At the office, an elderly, silver-haired physician smiled and said, "Congratulations, my lady. You are indeed pregnant."

Viola felt a chill run down her spine. Even though she had suspected it for days, the confirmation left her reeling. How could she be so unlucky? Why now?

Had she become pregnant before Thomas's return, she wouldn't have hesitated. But now, her feelings for Thomas were uncontainable. Marrying him—a third-rank major general—and gaining a title would have fulfilled her life's aspirations.

However, this child threatened to shatter everything.

Returning to Silverstone Estate in despair, she ordered everyone from Evelyn's quarters. Then, kneeling before her mother as she had years ago, she raised her trembling head, panic and desperation in her eyes.

"Mom, please help me," she pleaded. "I can't keep this baby."

Evelyn nearly fainted, exclaiming, "What are you saying? Is this child not your husband's again?!" For noble families, this was a nightmare resurrected.

Tears streamed down Viola's face. "It's Barrett's. But Mom, I've reconciled with Thomas. He promised to marry me if I divorce Barrett. I can't keep this child."

Evelyn slapped Viola sharply. Viola's head snapped to the side, but she quickly turned back to face her furious mother, her body trembling with defiance.

"Mom, if you don't help me, I'll kill myself!"

Evelyn's vision blurred, pain constricting her chest. She clutched her heart and collapsed.

"Mom! Mom!" Viola cried, embracing her. "Someone! Mom has fainted!"

After the family physician treated Evelyn, she slowly regained consciousness. With a weary gaze, she looked at Zoey and Luna. "You two stay. Everyone else, leave."

Viola knelt sobbing beside the bed. Evelyn turned away. "Get out!"

Viola sniffled and bowed her head. "Mom, you must help me. I'm begging you, one last time." She rose and left.

Even Evelyn's closest maid was dismissed. The door was locked, the curtains drawn, and the room plunged into darkness.

Zoey suspected what had happened. Viola was serious about the divorce, and Evelyn couldn't bear the news. She asked directly, "Mother, is it about Viola wanting a divorce?"

Evelyn fixed her with a heavy gaze. "Zoey, you're preparing for the worst, but it won't matter. She's already seen Thomas. She intends to divorce."

Zoey began, "If she can't get along with Barrett and wants a divorce, that's fine. We're her family. We accepted her back once, and we'll accept her again. After all, what happened at Valor Estate—with several lives lost—we don't know if assassins are still lurking—"

Evelyn sharply interrupted, "She's pregnant. She wants to get rid of the baby and remarry Thomas."

"What?!" Zoey and Luna gasped.

After hearing the full story, Zoey's fury toward Viola burned. She no longer cared about the consequences and told Luna to care for Evelyn.

Going outside, Zoey ordered, "Prepare the horses!" This matter could no longer be hidden. Thomas needed to dissuade Viola and end her plans.