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It was a sad situation. Zoey was a wonderful woman, but she hadn’t met a good man. Despite serving 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??n??aw, cleaning up after her sister??n??aw, and warding off anyone who could harm the Earl of Silverstone’s family.
Yet, happiness eluded her.
Zoey quickly regained her composure and looked at Sophie gratefully. “Thank you for informing me, Your Grace. I will send a letter to warn him.”
Sophie replied, “Celeste has changed her appearance, and since Eleanor has never publicly acknowledged her identity, we cannot know what her intentions towards the Earl of Silverstone might be.”
Zoey understood Sophie’s meaning. Celeste was no longer merely a courtesan. With Eleanor’s downfall, she was free. If she sought a benefactor, Oliver could certainly provide that for her.
If it were just that, Zoey wouldn’t be overly concerned. However, Celeste was a concubine’s daughter from Eleanor’s household. The Supreme Court was aware of this, as was Sophie. If Oliver got involved with her, it could lead to complications that would be difficult to explain.
This could implicate the Earl of Silverstone’s family and affect Zoey’s children, and that was what truly worried her.
“Your Grace, if Celeste truly has an affair with my husband, what will the Supreme Court think…?”
-Zoey began her question, but quickly realized it was inappropriate. This was a case of treason, and she was already immensely grateful for Sophie’s visit to share such sensitive information.
To ask for more would be greedy.
However, Sophie understood Zoey’s unspoken concern and replied, “As of now, we don’t know. It will depend on how the king perceives them. If he believes they are mere pawns and victims of circumstance, then even if the Earl of Silverstone takes her as a concubine, it won’t raise any issues. But if the king sees them as accomplices, then we would have a serious problem.”
Violet chimed in, “Actually, based on the evidence we have so far, the former seems more likely. They were coerced into this. Eleanor controlled their birth mothers and forced them to do things against their will. If they refused, they faced severe punishments… But we shouldn’t make any definitive claims, should we? After all, this is a treason case, 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.
Sophie stood up. “We shouldn’t overstay our welcome. Goodbye for now.”
Zoey rose to see her off, her demeanor already returning to normal. Violet admired this about Zoey??he could always remain composed and handle her emotions with grace.
As they stepped out of the hall, they spotted Viola approaching, supported by Poppy.
When Viola saw them, her expression briefly 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 Blake on purpose to embarrass me?” Viola snarled.
Zoey rubbed her temples in exasperation. Evelyn had been right. Viola seemed to have no brains.
Sophie shot Viola a curious glance.
Hadn’t Blake just been promoted? What was there to be embarrassed about?
Jane quickly stepped forward and assisted Poppy in helping Viola.
“The physician said it’s best for you not to move around too much, Madam Viola. You should head back and rest. Madam Zoey can see the princess consort off. You don’t need to.”
At the mention of “the princess consort”, Viola’s rationality snapped back into place. She realized her moment of anger had led her to act impulsively. If her sister??n??aw was going to talk about Viola’s issues, why would she invite Sophie over? Most likely, Sophie was there to discuss the conspiracy involving Eleanor.
Feeling extremely awkward and a bit anxious, Viola gave a hasty curtsey to Sophie before leaving.
Sophie and Violet exchanged glances.
What had gotten into Viola this time?
As Zoey escorted them out, Violet asked, “What’s Viola doing here at this late hour? Is she back here to stay? Did she have a falling out with her in??aws?”
It wasn’t that Violet was particularly curious. It was just that Viola always caused a stir wherever she went. Plus, she had stormed in so recklessly just now, talking about something concerning Blake, which clearly had something to do with Sophie.
That was why Violet couldn’t help but ask.
Zoey knew that family troubles shouldn’t be aired in public, but they were all aware of Viola’s faults. So, she didn’t hesitate to speak plainly.
“It’s a bit of a spectacle. She had a quarrel with her husband and returned to us. She’s staying here for a few days because she’s feeling under the weather.”
“Blake’s been recovering at home after getting injured and getting promoted. It seems odd they would argue again, especially involving Sophie,” Violet said, her expression darkening.Zoey sighed with a bitter smile. “It’s just unreasonable fussing. Don’t let it bother you, Your Grace, Ms. Spencer.”
Violet muttered under her breath, “Troublemaker.”
Sophie and Blake had already divorced and moved on with their lives, yet Viola still clung to the past.
After Zoey saw Sophie and Violet off, she returned to the inner courtyard. There, she spotted Viola waiting outside her quarters. Zoey glanced at her, but didn’t say a word. Instead, she simply went inside.
Zoey was thoroughly disappointed in her sister??n??aw and didn’t feel like saying anything. It was hard to reason with someone determined to make trouble. Sometimes, no amount of kindness could save those who were set on self??estruction. If Violet kept causing a scene like this, it would be more than just embarrassing.
“Why were they here, Zoey?” Viola asked as she walked in, her hands propped on her hips.
Zoey settled into her seat. The people in the room knew she liked to drink fruit juice in the evening, so they had prepared it for her in advance.
After sipping a few times to soothe her throat, she replied in a calm tone, “Nothing too serious. They just asked me a few questions.”
Viola frowned. “It’s not about…that Grand Princess Eleanor conspiracy case, is it? Was she here to cause trouble?”
Zoey frowned. “You’re asking for trouble with that kind of talk. She was here on official business. Even if she asks questions, it’s just part of the procedure. If she were here to cause trouble, she wouldn’t come at night and without the Capital Guard.”
“What did she want to know?”
Zoey’s expression was indifferent as she replied, “Whatever it is, it’s not your concern. I see that your condition is stable now since you’re able to move around at night. You should return home tomorrow.”
Viola’s face fell with disappointment. She had been staying at Silverstone Estate for three days now. Her mother had even sent medicine and tonics to Valor Estate, yet no one had come to fetch her.
Blake couldn’t come himself, but surely he could send someone!
If no one came to get her, would she be going back like this? It was far too embarrassing. How could she face anyone in the Jaffe family after this?
Yet, Viola knew she couldn’t stay there any longer. She didn’t want to continue the cold war with her husband. It was weighing on her heart.
Over the past few days, she had come to terms with everything. She was carrying Blake’s child and intended to make things right with him. Besides, he had recently been promoted to the Crown Guard’s commander?? position that placed him close to the king.
Though Sophie commanded the Mystic Army and was his superior, the Crown Guard had always directly answered to the king, so there likely wouldn’t be much change in their dynamics.