Chapter 760

Now that Viola was pregnant, her thoughts were often clouded, and she was overly sensitive. She was overjoyed by Barrett's promotion, but learning that Carissa was his superior brought tears to her eyes.

Leaning against Barrett's arm, she struggled to speak. "I'm not jealous," she choked out, "but how can she be his superior? He discovered the evidence of Grand Princess Eleanor's treachery! If not for him, her ambitions might still be hidden. I just can't accept it! Why is he always overshadowed? His contributions and achievements surpass hers! How could the king appoint a woman commander? To oversee the Mystic Army, the Crown Guard, and the Royal Guard—it's absurd! The men have lost all their dignity!"

Barrett listened to her, a twinge of irritation rising within him. He recalled the assassin from that night—he knew who it was. Was this credit truly his? No. It had been handed to him.

He suspected the person had already known about Eleanor's plot and planned to expose it during the Emberfest Festival. Barrett had simply been in the right place at the right time, chasing the assassin into the western courtyard and stumbling upon the weapons in the dungeon. He didn't understand why the Hell Monarch himself hadn't exposed Eleanor, instead using the Capital Guard and Garrison Unit.

It was a significant achievement! Why give the credit to them? Perhaps because, as the Hell Monarch, renowned for his military prowess, he simply didn't care for accolades.

A shadow crossed Barrett's eyes. In the end, it all came down to one's origins. What Rafael didn't want was something Barrett could never earn, no matter how hard he tried.

"Stop thinking about it," Barrett said, pushing down his bitterness and offering a gentle smile. "At least I've been promoted. From now on, you'll be the wife of the Crown Guard's commander."

"But when will the Warren family return to its former glory?" Viola countered. "Carissa is your superior and will keep you under her thumb. She resents you, and if she schemes against you, you might lose your position."

Barrett wiped away her tears. "That won't happen. She's not that kind of person."

Viola swatted his hand away, her expression hardening. "Are you defending her? If she's not that kind of person, then what kind of person is she? Don't tell me that, even with our child on the way, you still can't let go of her!"

Viola couldn't forget Aurora's words—that Barrett still had feelings for Carissa. She hadn't cared before, but now, determined to build a future with him, she couldn't tolerate the idea of him harboring feelings for another woman.

Barrett's patience snapped. "Can you please stop overthinking everything? You doubt everyone! Carissa is the Hell Monarch's princess consort now. She has nothing to do with me. Why do you keep bringing her up?"

"What? I can't mention her at all?" Viola stood, tears welling with anger. "Barrett, swear to heaven she means nothing to you!"

Barrett closed his eyes, his chest heaving. He opened them, glaring fiercely. "Have you had enough? Why can't we just live our lives? Why do you keep bringing her up?"

"I want you to swear!" Viola grabbed a pillow and threw it at him. "Swear it!"

The pillow struck Barrett's injury, making him wince.

He shouted, "Enough! This is ridiculous! My promotion should be joyful. Why are you mixing her into it? Does it even matter to you whether I think about her or not? And what about you? Do you still think about Thomas? What have you done? Have I ever questioned you about it? Can't we just live in peace?"

Viola, furious and embarrassed, felt her head explode with rage. She slapped his face. "Shut up!"

The sound of the slap hung in the air, silencing them both. Barrett touched his face, disbelieving. "You…hit me!"