Chapter 611

Carissa released Viola's arm. Viola stumbled back, collapsing into a chair and covering her face.

“If it’s not you, then who? Who’s trying to harm me? If it’s not you, who else could it be?”

Carissa, frustrated but not angry, was at a loss for words. Viola, sheltered by her family and the Farrells, simply lacked independent thought. She was selfish and foolish.

Sitting down, Carissa took a deep breath. Getting angry was pointless. Logic might not work, but it was worth a try.

“What grudge do I have against you?”

Viola dabbed at her swollen, red eyes with a handkerchief. “Are you saying there’s no grudge? You’re Barrett’s first wife, and we were married on the same day. Your larger dowry overshadowed me in the Warren family.”

Carissa gripped the chair's armrest, inhaling deeply. It was maddening.

“When have I ever compared dowries with you? If you felt overshadowed, why is that my fault? Why would I be angry at you? What grudge exists between us? Why would I harm you? Please, use your brain!”

“But you and Silas…”

Carissa raised a hand. “I went to the Arcane Sanctum for medicine for Lady Leona; she’s about to give birth. Silas manages the sanctum’s medicine store. Sebastian was unavailable, so I got it from Silas. I saw you two acting suspiciously that day, but assumed it was awkwardness due to Silas being Thomas’ cousin.”

Viola sniffled, her red eyes and nose making her appear pathetic. Yet, she stubbornly retorted, “I don’t believe you! Who else would harm me?”

Carissa slammed her hand on the table. “Give me one good reason why I’d want to harm you.”

Startled, Viola’s tears stopped. She stared blankly, then blurted out, “Because I married Barrett…”

Carissa snapped, “He’s someone I don’t want. I couldn’t care less who he marries.”

Viola shook her head, disbelief etched on her face. “If you don’t care, why did you save him? You can’t forget him.”

“As deputy commander of the Mystic Army, I received reports of assassins in the capital and went to track them. I wouldn’t stand by and watch Valor Estate be slaughtered. It’s that simple.”

“I don’t believe you! Given how he and Aurora treated you, how can you return kindness for cruelty?”

Chapter 611 (continued)

Carissa watched Viola’s crazed expression fade, though her stubbornness remained. The conversation was futile; she would simply stall until someone from Valor or Silverstone Estate arrived. “Here’s your chance: if you have grievances, say them now. Otherwise, you’ll be banging on my door later. I’m letting you off this time, but next time, the authorities will handle this.”

Viola, feeling humiliated, replayed their past grievances in her mind. There wasn't much to justify her anger.

After a long pause, Viola whimpered, then sobbed openly.

Carissa pressed her temples, growing increasingly impatient. Finally, she snapped, “Shut up! If you want to cry, go back to Valor Estate! Don’t make a scene here.”

“You look down on me,” Viola cried, her voice breaking. “Isn’t it because you’re an esteemed princess consort?”

Carissa sneered. “I do look down on you. What have you done to deserve respect? You’re clinging to Thomas, a third-rank major general, because you feel low in the Warren family, yet you’re carrying Barrett’s child. What kind of person would respect you?”

Viola glared with hatred, and Carissa met her gaze with icy resolve. Since Viola had come to stir trouble, Carissa felt no obligation to be kind.