Chapter 762

Evelyn was no fool; she understood her daughter's character well. However, seeing Viola arrive home in tears, heavily pregnant, tugged at her heartstrings. After all, Viola hadn't caused any trouble recently, and the past was behind them. What mother could truly hold a grudge against her own child?

So, when she heard Viola mention Barrett's neglect and indifference to her return during her pregnancy, Evelyn decided to summon Zoey. She wanted to help mend Viola and Barrett's relationship.

By the time Zoey arrived, Luna was already seated in Evelyn's room.

"You're here, Zoey!" Luna exclaimed, secretly relieved. If Zoey had been any later, she would have had to find a way to escape.

Zoey nodded. "Hello, Mother."

"You arrived just in time," Evelyn said, her expression serious. Viola, her tears still undried, sat beside her, managing only a choked greeting to her eldest sister-in-law without rising.

Zoey sat down and looked at Viola, feigning ignorance. "Why are you crying, Viola? Who bullied you?"

Viola hadn't intended to provoke her family into action; she only meant to scare Barrett. But after her outburst, she had no choice but to return home—retreating was too embarrassing. Seeing her mother only heightened her sense of grievance. Not wanting Evelyn to think she was overreacting, she claimed Barrett was deliberately cold and dismissive, and that others at Valor Estate treated her with disdain.

Little did she know that Evelyn had already summoned Zoey and Luna. With Zoey the most serious of the three, discussing the events would reflect poorly on Viola. So, when Zoey asked what was wrong, Viola didn't repeat her grievances to her mother. Instead, she simply said, "We had a few arguments. I just want to come home for a few days to find some peace."

Evelyn said, "Viola is pregnant, yet everyone in the Warren family, including your brother-in-law, is treating her poorly. I suspect it's because Viola went to the Farrell family. But since she and Barrett decided to be together, there's no point in making a fuss. After all, she's carrying Barrett's child!

"Plus, with Oliver commanding troops outside the city, our two families need to remain united. How can they have a good future if they keep quarreling? That's why I called you, Zoey. We should send someone to Valor Estate to invite Barrett for a talk. We need to encourage them to settle this peacefully. What do you think?"

Evelyn was unaware that Barrett had been injured. Zoey hadn't mentioned it, wanting to spare her worry, sending only medicinal herbs and tonics. However, seeing Viola's distress, Zoey could keep it a secret no longer.

"Mother, Barrett was injured and is bedridden. Yesterday, I sent herbs and tonics to Valor Estate, so inviting him is infeasible."

Hearing this, Evelyn was immediately alarmed. "How was he injured? What happened?"

Zoey looked at Viola. "Why don't you explain, Viola? You know the situation best."

Viola hesitated, but under Evelyn's prompting, recounted his injury at Harmony Palace, omitting his promotion. Working under Carissa wasn't something to boast about.

Evelyn's face paled at the news of multiple stab wounds. "What's the situation now? What did the physician say? Is his life in danger? Why didn't you tell me?"

"He wasn't hit in any vital areas," Viola reassured her. "The physician said he needs bed rest for a few days. You don't need to worry, Mom."

Evelyn sensed something was amiss. "He's injured and bedridden, so why would he neglect you? What on earth is going on?"

Zoey then called Poppy forward. "Explain what happened. Speak the truth. There's no need to hide anything."

Poppy recounted everything from Barrett and Viola's argument, including Viola slapping Barrett.