Chapter 808

As the sun dipped low, casting a golden hue over the landscape, Carissa and Violet rode down the mountain. The matter wasn't fully settled, but they could finally relax a bit.

"They'll be executing Henry tomorrow," Violet said. "Do you think anyone from his family will come forward to claim his body?"

"I'm not sure," Carissa replied, her thoughts drifting back to Marjorie's intention to take the child home.

Violet caught on quickly. "So, Malcolm's wife really wants to bring the child back, huh?"

"She said so, but I can't tell if it's just a spur-of-the-moment decision."

Violet frowned. "Although the child is an innocent victim of Eleanor's actions, why should Marjorie bear this burden? This child's existence has turned her life upside down, putting her in a strange and painful situation where all the good she thought she had now feels like a distant illusion. It's really sad."

"She asked me what I would do in her position," Carissa said, letting her horse pick its way down the rocky trail with sure-footed ease. "What do you think I would do if Raf had a mistress and fathered a child?"

Violet didn't hesitate. "If you were still the same person from Meadow Ridge, you'd probably gather all your strength to confront him. But now? You'd likely choose to divorce him and go your separate ways."

Carissa laughed. "I really can't let you get too familiar with me."

"Do you think I don't know you?" Violet shot her a teasing glance.

"What about you? What would you do?"

Violet chuckled lightly. "That kind of thing could never happen to me; I won't be marrying anyone. I don't have to face that possibility."

"True," Carissa mused.

Violet tilted her chin slightly. "Actually, do you support my choice not to get married? You and Prince Rafael seem so happy together. Would you suggest I find someone to marry, too?"

Carissa met her gaze. "Of course not. Your life is yours to decide. I'm here to support you and offer help when you need it. Love and marriage aren't everything in life. You don't have to marry to find happiness. You've always defined happiness as being wealthy and free—doing what you want and not being forced into anything you don't wish to do."

Violet raised her chin, a spark of confidence in her eyes. "Exactly! I've surpassed many already. I should be happy every day. If I want to waste time, that's fine. If I want to do something meaningful with you, that's fine, too. I'll do as I please."

"That's right. As long as you're happy," Carissa replied, her eyes filled with gentle warmth.

That evening, Marjorie summoned Lionel to her study to meet with Malcolm. For the past few… (The passage cuts off here.)