Chapter 604
Thomas met Zoey’s gaze, a knot tightening in his throat. It was a matter of a man's dignity, and he struggled to articulate his thoughts.
"Do you know everything?" Zoey asked, studying his expression.
"I can't say I do," he replied, sighing deeply. "After I left for the Southern Frontier, did she develop feelings for my cousin? Did they exchange tokens of affection?"
"Tokens of affection?" Zoey was unaware of that detail.
Thomas rose and went to the drawer behind his desk, producing an emerald pendant. "I found this under her bed—wedged between the footboard and the wall. I recognize it; it belongs to my cousin."
He laughed bitterly. "It was under her bed. She must have kept it there, looking at it at night, thinking of him. When did she start liking my cousin? I always thought we had a loving marriage, but it seems she was hiding something in her heart all along. You knew about this, didn't you?"
Zoey felt a pang of bitterness. This man, so pure-hearted, couldn't even consider the darker implications of finding the pendant. He could only imagine Viola taking it out during a sleepless night. He was a man who had escaped captivity, built a spy network, and fought through hell—capable of the most meticulous and skeptical thinking. Yet, he had never questioned Viola.
Zoey didn't dwell on the sorrow in his eyes. Taking a deep breath, she laid it all out.
"About six months after you left for the Southern Frontier, she returned home and knelt before my mother-in-law. She requested a month's stay at Silverstone Estate and, at the same time, asked for medicine to induce a miscarriage."
The emerald pendant clattered to the floor. Thomas's face turned ashen. "What?"
Zoey averted her gaze. "My mother-in-law called me in. Viola was crying, explaining that at the Farrell family head's birthday banquet, she'd overindulged and retired to her room. Your cousin was also present and had also been drinking. He accidentally stumbled into the backyard. Viola, feeling dizzy, went looking for Julia, as all the servants were busy outside. Somehow, in their drunken state, they met, and she… mistook him for you. That's what she told us."
Details could cut deeper than any blade, which is why Zoey chose not to share them. Viola hadn't divulged the specifics upon her return, only giving a brief explanation. Zoey pressed for more answers because something didn't add up. In truth, Viola hadn't mistaken Silas for Thomas. She knew exactly who he was. She'd been lonely, and the alcohol clouded her judgment. She'd seen Silas's handsome face and, in a drunken daze, had tumbled into his arms, calling out for Thomas. She had initiated a kiss.
Zoey's words hit Thomas like a lightning bolt. His mind went blank; for a long moment, he couldn't speak.
Seeing his stunned expression deepened the ache in Zoey's chest. Yet, some truths had to be spoken boldly, or they would fester in silence.
"As her sister-in-law, I shouldn't be telling you this," she began. "I should be burying these sordid details. But if she weren't planning to divorce Barrett and remarry you, I would've said nothing. Do you know she returned to Silverstone Estate today, just as she did then, begging for medicine to abort the baby? After the abortion, she plans to divorce Barrett and reunite with you. I had to tell you—if there's no hope from your end, she won't go through with the abortion."
Thomas was in shock, staring at Zoey. He opened his mouth several times but couldn't speak. Something felt lodged in his throat. Despite the sweltering heat, a chill ran through him.
He would rather Viola had yearned for a love that could never be than face this harsh reality.
Zoey wiped away tears before looking back at him. "Thomas, this concerns the Earl of Silverstone's family reputation. If you have grievances or feel you deserve compensation, I can arrange that. But please, keep this private. I don't want anyone to know. I'm telling you this to prevent her from deceiving and hurting you again. Just consider this me looking out for you. Will you agree to keep this to yourself?"