Chapter 857

Hearing this, Zoey sensed friction between Viola and Amelia. Her heart sank; she hoped it wasn't related to Amelia's death.

"Please tell me everything, no matter how minor," Zoey insisted.

After Poppy recounted the events, Zoey summarized:

"Three main issues: First, Viola appointed Amelia to manage the household but only allocated 30 percent of Barrett's salary to the family fund, while Amelia's expenses—clothing, allowance, etc.—came from that fund. Second, after arguing with Amelia, Viola threatened her with scissors. Third, she complained that Amelia didn't buy enough Evergreen Pills. Did I get it right?"

Poppy nodded. "Correct."

"All this happened before Amelia's suicide. Was there previous discord?"

Poppy paused. "Nothing severe, but Madam Viola always looked down on Madam Amelia. There were disrespectful remarks."

"How disrespectful?"

"Madam Viola said Madam Amelia came from a low background, lacked education and dignity, and only schemed for trivial gains; that she couldn't win her husband's affection."

Poppy seemed desensitized to the disrespect.

"Did she say these things to Amelia's face?" Zoey pressed.

"Yes. Madam Viola insisted on direct confrontation, saying it would make her seem petty to gossip."

Zoey frowned. "I want to call her insane, but that's not accurate. Her true nature seems unchangeable. She's worse than petty."

Zoey felt deep-seated annoyance. This was how Viola treated people?

Meanwhile, Barrett entered Rebecca's room, his steps heavy. He numbly delivered the news: the baby was stillborn.

Jonathan, also present, leaped up, incredulous. "The baby was stillborn?"

"We barely avoided losing both mother and child," Barrett said, his gaze fixed on his mother, a mixture of grief and anger in his eyes.

Rebecca's face paled; her lips trembled. Finally, she managed, "How was I to know she was so useless?"

"Shut your mouth!" Jonathan exploded. "What kind of mother-in-law are you? You made your pregnant daughter-in-law kneel outside the Arcane Sanctum? You should kneel yourself!"

Jonathan rarely spoke to his wife with such harshness. He'd always been indecisive, letting her manage family affairs.

Rebecca was taken aback, speechless for a moment. Regaining her composure, she trembled with anger.

"You're mad! You want me to kneel? What about our family's dignity?"

"What about Amelia's life?" Jonathan shouted.

"Stop this nonsense!" Barrett raised his gaze, tears welling, his lips trembling. "Amelia's only recently died. Mom, don't you feel responsible for her death or Viola's suffering? Being a mother-in-law doesn't give you the right to treat them this way!"

Rebecca trembled. "How… how have I mistreated them? Carissa used to do the same things! If she could manage it, why couldn't they?"

Clenching his fists, Barrett roared, "Don't mention her! We have no right to speak her name! She risked her life to save my sister-in-law, and you drove her to death! You think Amelia made you look bad? No, it's you! You're not just harsh—you're cruel. What kind of mother-in-law treats her daughter-in-law like that?"

Rebecca pounded the bed. "What did I do? She threatened suicide after making a mistake! How could I not punish her? Are there no rules in this household? Her suicide affects your future, and yet you defend her! You're ungrateful!"

"It's my fault! It has nothing to do with Amelia!" Barrett yelled.

Tears streamed down his face as he thought of Amelia and the child. He thought of the woman he'd lost. A piece of his heart felt ripped out, leaving only pain.

Yet, a sliver of inappropriate amusement flickered amidst his tears.

"Karma," he muttered.

Rebecca gasped, pointing an accusing finger, unable to speak, her face turning purple. A sharp pain pierced her chest, and she collapsed.