Chapter 856

Evelyn lingered in the delivery room for a moment before turning to Zoey.

“There’s no one capable of managing things here right now. Rebecca is sickly, and after Viola’s difficult labor, she’s physically and emotionally drained. Please stay here and help her for a few days.”

Evelyn worried about Viola being mistreated. Rebecca could be cruel—after all, she had thrown a cup at Viola. Who knew how much Viola had suffered in the past?

But Evelyn didn't confront Rebecca. The family had just lost Amelia, and now Viola had lost her child after a difficult labor. If anything happened to Rebecca… forget it. They could no longer hide the miscarriage; Barrett likely believed it resulted from Viola's previous relationship with Thomas, and assumed the baby hadn't survived. If this matter could be swept under the rug, it would be best. Evelyn simply couldn't bear to face it.

Zoey didn't want to deal with the mess at Valor Estate, but with her mother-in-law's orders and no one else to run the household, staying a few days to help seemed the least she could do. However, Zoey wouldn't stay at Valor Estate; she would come and go each day.

After Evelyn left, Zoey remained in the delivery room, watching her sister-in-law sleep fitfully. Her heart softened, and she sighed inwardly.

Barrett stood at the bedside, gazing down at the exhausted Viola. A wave of pity washed over him. His mother's actions had caused his wife's fall, leading to the loss of their child. It weighed heavily on him.

Yet, the physician's words echoed in his mind. After hesitating, he asked, "Did she have a child with Thomas before? What happened to that baby?"

Zoey's expression darkened. "Let's talk about it later."

"Okay." Barrett glanced at the sleeping Viola and nodded. "We don't want her to hear anything that might upset her."

The physician and midwife needed to stay for further observation. Zoey, ever tactful, ushered them out, slipping some silver coins into their hands. She lowered her voice and said, "Let's just say what needs to be said and keep the rest to ourselves."

After his conversation with Barrett, the old physician remembered Viola was in her second marriage. Barrett's shocked expression earlier clearly indicated his unawareness of the miscarriage; it must have happened during her first marriage. He had a sense of medical ethics, and though he could have refused the money, he knew that refusing might make them uneasy. So, he thanked Zoey and assured her she didn't need to worry.

The midwife shared his sentiments. Maintaining a good reputation was as important as her skill in delivering babies. A ruined reputation would mean no more clients.

Barrett turned to Zoey. "Please take care of Viola while I go speak to my mother."

Zoey looked into Barrett's eyes, where resentment simmered. She nodded. "Go ahead. Tell her that her grandson is gone."

Zoey disliked the Warren family, especially Rebecca, whom she considered a troublemaker. The woman had already caused one daughter-in-law's death and still dared to make a scene. Now, she had managed to lose a grandchild as well.

Once Barrett left, Zoey called Poppy outside.

"Has Viola done anything outrageous lately? Also, did she argue with Amelia before her suicide?" she asked.

Considering Viola's traumatic experience and loss, Zoey felt it was her duty to stand up for her. However, given Viola's previous actions, Zoey needed to understand the situation fully.

Poppy, choking back tears, hurriedly explained, "Madam Rebecca lost her temper because she couldn't get Snowdrop Pills, so she ordered Madam Viola to kneel at Arcane Sanctum as the late Madam Amelia did. After Madam Viola got angry and shouted at her, Madam Rebecca accused her of being disrespectful and threw a cup at her. Madam Viola had already been handling all the household affairs since Madam Amelia’s death, and being pregnant, she was really worn out. As for whether there was an argument with Madam Amelia before her death…"

Poppy hesitated, unable to bring herself to say it. Amelia was gone. Viola hadn't voiced her feelings, but surely some guilt lingered. Otherwise, she wouldn't have taken on all the household responsibilities.