Chapter 761

A woman shouldn't strike her husband, especially in the face. Such behavior was unacceptable in a prestigious household like the Warrens', regardless of their current status; even ordinary people wouldn't resort to it. In anger, hitting a shoulder or arm might be considered more acceptable. After all, a woman's fists didn't pack much power. A slap to the face, however, stripped a man of his dignity.

Servants were outside. How could Barrett maintain his dignity, especially now that he'd been promoted to Commander of the Crown Guard? That slap had extinguished any remaining joy in his heart.

Viola bit her lip, tears welling. Deep down, she knew she'd crossed a line, but pride prevented her from apologizing.

"Forget it. Just leave," Barrett said, suppressing his anger. He didn't want to argue; their discord had drained him enough.

After hitting him, Viola felt a twinge of guilt. However, his cold words stung.

"I came to care for you during my pregnancy. I wanted you to recover quickly so you could assume your post, but your attitude has disappointed me greatly."

Barrett closed his eyes, refusing to engage. His indifference cut Viola deeply.

She stood, wiped her tears, and said bitterly, "Fine. If you don't want to see me, I'll go back to my family home." She knew Barrett cared about her family's opinion; with her pregnancy, he'd undoubtedly worry if she returned. But as she and Poppy left, she heard no call for her to come back. Anger and sorrow welled within her. It felt as if Barrett hadn't cared at all. In a fit of anger, she returned home with Poppy.

The sudden turmoil in the capital prompted prominent families to keep a tighter rein on their members. Zoey felt this pressure, and although her family didn't interact much with Eleanor, caution was wise. So, when Zoey heard Viola had returned home in tears, heavily pregnant, she regretted not issuing stronger orders to prevent it. Of course, she couldn't actually have stopped Viola.

Evelyn sent for her, but Zoey wasn't in a rush. First, she summoned Poppy for questioning. Poppy had secretly received an extra monthly allowance—a reward for keeping an eye on Viola and reporting anything excessive. Zoey needed to resolve this before her sister-in-law caused real trouble.

Chapter 761 (Bonus Passage)

This time, Poppy hadn't given prior warning. Viola's tearful return indicated an emergency.

When Poppy arrived and reported to Zoey, she frowned. "Wasn't Barrett injured? How could she hit him?"

Poppy replied, "Yes, he was hurt. The physician says he needs bed rest for a few days. Initially, Madam Viola was overjoyed by Commander Warren's promotion. But when she learned Lady Carissa was also appointed commander, and that Commander Warren would report to her, Madam Viola became upset."

Zoey's brow furrowed deeper. Why was Carissa's appointment bothering Viola? She had a petty, narrow-minded attitude and couldn't stand others' success—when would she change?

"So, she slapped him? Did he fight back?"

Poppy shook her head. "No, Commander Warren didn't retaliate. He simply told her to leave. In her anger, Madam Viola declared she was returning to her family, and he didn't stop her."

Zoey's brow tightened. "So, she's with Mother now?"

"Yes, she's crying in Madam Evelyn's room," Poppy replied timidly. "Madam Evelyn asked you to come quickly."

"All right, you go. I'll be there shortly," Zoey said, giving a knowing glance to her head maid, Jane, who understood.

After dismissing Poppy, Jane slipped her a portion of the allowance, instructing her to keep a close watch on Viola. Returning, she found her mistress massaging her temples.

"Madam Zoey, you really should go. Madam Evelyn doesn't know the full story and might worry unnecessarily. After all, a mother always loves her daughter, regardless."

Zoey's eyes turned cold. "I'll go, but let me compose myself. I'm afraid I might lose my temper and truly hurt her."