Chapter 765
Zoey tightened her grip on the chair's armrests, a frown furrowing her brow. Her expression grew complex, reflecting the weight of the revelation. No one knew a husband better than his wife.
Oliver had gone to the Southern Frontier with two concubines and, upon arrival, had taken two more. Though not yet formally recognized, it was only a matter of time before he granted them status.
Zoey strictly managed the household, and the concubines respected her; thus, there had never been any scandals in the Earl of Silverstone's family. Zoey was certain that if Celeste got close to Oliver, she wouldn't need to try to win him over; her beauty alone would suffice.
Violet watched Zoey, sensing her understanding of Oliver's vulnerability to Celeste's allure. It was a sad situation. Zoey was a wonderful woman who hadn't met a good man. Despite his service as a marshal at the Southern Frontier, Oliver didn't deserve her.
Zoey tirelessly managed every aspect of life in the capital, tending to her mother-in-law, caring for her sister-in-law, and protecting the Earl of Silverstone's family from harm. Yet, happiness eluded her.
Quickly regaining her composure, Zoey looked gratefully at Carissa. "Thank you for informing me, Your Grace. I will send a letter to warn him."
Carissa replied, "Celeste has changed her appearance, and since Eleanor has never publicly acknowledged her, we cannot know her intentions toward the Earl of Silverstone."
Zoey understood. Celeste was no longer merely a courtesan; Eleanor's downfall had freed her. If she sought a benefactor, Oliver could certainly provide that.
That alone wouldn't overly concern Zoey. However, Celeste was a concubine's daughter from Eleanor's household—a fact known to the Supreme Court and Carissa. Oliver's involvement could lead to difficult-to-explain complications. This could implicate the Earl of Silverstone's family and affect Zoey's children, which truly worried her.
"Your Grace, if Celeste truly has an affair with my husband, what will the Supreme Court think?" Zoey began, then stopped. It was inappropriate. This was treason, and she was already immensely grateful for Carissa's visit and the sensitive information shared. To ask more would be greedy.
However, Carissa understood Zoey's unspoken concern. "As of now, we don't know. It will depend on the king's perception. If he believes they are mere pawns and victims of circumstance, then even if the Earl takes her as a concubine, it won't raise issues. But if he sees them as accomplices, then we have a serious problem."
Violet added, "Actually, based on the evidence, the former seems more likely. They were coerced. Eleanor controlled their birth mothers, forcing them to act against their will. Refusal meant severe punishment. But we shouldn't make definitive claims; this is treason, and everything hinges on the king's judgment."
"I understand. Thank you for letting me know, Ms. Spencer." Zoey was moved. She would always remember this kindness.
Carissa stood. "We shouldn't overstay our welcome. Goodbye for now."
Zoey rose to see them off, her demeanor already returning to normal. Violet admired Zoey's composure and grace under pressure.
As they left the hall, they saw Viola approaching, supported by Poppy. Viola's expression faltered before anger flashed in her eyes as she confronted Zoey.
"What's the meaning of this? Why did you call her here? Did you tell her about my situation with Barrett to embarrass me?" Viola snarled.
Zoey rubbed her temples in exasperation. Evelyn had been right; Viola seemed remarkably unintelligent.
Carissa shot Viola a curious glance. Hadn't Barrett just been promoted? What was there to be embarrassed about?