Chapter 601

Viola returned to her old room, the one she'd occupied before her marriage. Unbeknownst to her, Zoey had gone to the Farrell family. Viola assumed Evelyn was still discussing ways to support her and Zoey and Luna.

No matter how angry Evelyn might be, Viola knew her mother couldn't bear to see her struggling with the Warren family. That place was suffocating; after all, Julia and Yvonne had both met their ends there. Moreover, Evelyn had always been particularly fond of Thomas. If Viola could mend things with him, Evelyn would eventually be pleased, her initial anger fading.

After a while, Viola inquired about Evelyn's condition and learned it wasn't serious. Deciding to return to Valor Estate first to avoid a scolding from her sister-in-law, she felt a wave of annoyance. She couldn't stand Zoey's lecturing.

What authority did Zoey hold? It was only because of Viola's brother Oliver's title that Zoey could act like the mistress of an earl's household. Besides, if Viola were to stay at Silverstone Estate, she needed a plausible excuse. Claiming illness would suffice—she could say the family physician understood her constitution and knew how to treat her. Staying home for a month to recuperate wouldn't raise suspicions from the Warren family.

To be safe, she took Poppy to Arcane Sanctum, the capital's largest medical establishment, to have the maid checked and receive some tonics. Upon her return, she could simply claim illness and the need for medication. Of course, Poppy would consume the medicines on her behalf. The credibility of Arcane Sanctum's medicines was unquestionable, given the more than twenty physicians practicing there.

She took Poppy inside for a checkup and medicine. Although Poppy was perfectly healthy, the August heat was intense, and lingering summer heat had built up in her body. After examining Poppy, the physician prescribed herbal teas to clear the heat.

As Viola waited for the medicines, she noticed Carissa and Violet entering. Irritation washed over her. The capital was small; she encountered people she wished to avoid in the most inconvenient places.

As Viola turned away, she caught a glimpse of a familiar figure. Her blood rushed to her head; a buzzing filled her ears. Memories she'd desperately tried to bury resurfaced, sending tremors through her body.

It was Silas Lewis. Really him!

But why was Carissa with Silas at Arcane Sanctum?

Anxiety washed over Viola, but she quickly reassured herself it was impossible. Silas couldn't disclose what had happened in the past; doing so would only harm himself.

Violet spotted Viola and whispered to Carissa, "Viola's also here."

Carissa followed her gaze and saw Viola anxiously turning away, unwilling to acknowledge them. She turned to Silas and said, "Mr. Lewis, go ahead."

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Silas didn't immediately respond. His gaze remained fixed on Viola; his expression darkened. Carissa's heart raced with suspicion. She called out again, "Mr. Lewis?"

Finally snapping back to reality, Silas replied, "Right… Let's go to the sanctum."

He didn't glance at Viola again, but his quickened footsteps betrayed his unease. Carissa fell a step behind, sharply turning to glance at Viola, whose face was ashen.

Carissa exchanged a knowing look with Violet. Something was definitely amiss.

Silas was Ivan's older relative, Thomas's cousin, and Alice's nephew. He and Viola should know each other. Now that Viola had remarried, the Farrell family's attitude towards her hadn't changed much.

So why did Silas look so grim? Viola seemed equally unsettled.

Did these two have a history?

As Silas led them toward the sanctum, they entered a special room designated for Sebastian. It housed the medicines he'd developed, as well as rare herbs—like the precious thousand-year Evergreen Root. After a portion was used to save Lawrence, the remainder was kept safely in the sanctum.

Sebastian was out on rounds, but since Silas managed procurement for Arcane Sanctum, he had access. Sebastian placed great importance on him.

Silas began slicing the Evergreen Root.

Carissa said, "Slice a few more pieces, then see if there are any tonics for strengthening a woman's body after childbirth. And don't forget labor-inducing medicine."

Silas replied, "Ivy can bring the labor-inducing medicine when it's time. Let's prepare these Evergreen Root slices first. Some medicines can enhance physical strength, useful during delivery." His voice carried a faint tremor, as if he'd been rattled by something unexpected.