Chapter 1129

Violet had been leaving early and returning late recently. Before sunrise, she was gone. Yet, she unfailingly returned to Skye Embroidery for an hour or so.

The workshop had a new addition: Eliza Carter, a woman estranged from her family. Her brother offered to take her back, but his wife refused. Rather than cause trouble, Eliza chose the workshop.

The two women worked on embroidery, sharing quiet conversations focused on the future, never the past. Violet enjoyed this peaceful atmosphere. During her visits, she chatted with Leona, Alana, and Leah, their relationships deepening daily.

Zoey also visited, encountering Violet and chatting casually.

Violet, knowing Cedric trained under Travis, remarked, "He's diligent, but lacks natural talent. He's better suited to scholarship."

Zoey smiled unconcernedly. "No matter. I don't expect him to become a martial arts prodigy. I just want him strong enough to handle trouble."

Violet found her words, though lighthearted, oddly bitter. She considered the implications: a noble heir would be well-protected traveling, surrounded by attendants and guards. Even during national examinations and official appointments in distant lands, the protection would be substantial. Hardship and danger were unlikely.

Only the exiled truly faced threat and suffering. Though the Earl of Silverstone's family was no longer at its zenith, it still held prominence. Why, then, Zoey's worry?

As Violet pondered, Jane rushed in. Ignoring Violet, she announced, "Madam Zoey, Madam Luna sent for you. Return to the manor immediately. Madam Viola attempted suicide!"

Zoey sprang up. "Why? Was she saved?"

"She was… but… let's talk as we go." Jane, realizing her hasty disclosure of family matters, regretted speaking publicly.

Violet craned her neck, eager for an explanation, but silence ensued, leaving her disappointed.

Zoey reached the workshop entrance to find Luna's maid, Maya, waiting. They entered the carriage together.

"Madam Zoey," Maya explained, "Madam Evelyn's been unwell. Madam Viola sought Snowdrop Pills—rare, expensive, and usually unavailable—going to the Arcane Sanctum herself. She unexpectedly encountered Mr. Silas Lewis. Finding the pills unavailable, she begged his help, even crying. Mr. Lewis' wife, present with food, witnessed this and created a scene, accusing Madam Viola of past impropriety. Many heard the argument, and Madam Viola, ashamed, hanged herself."

Zoey listened, her hands growing cold, disbelief evident. She'd been arranging a suitable match for her daughter, hoping for a swift marriage. This scandal jeopardized everything. Anger consumed her.

"With all the servants," she raged, "why go out for Mother's medicine? She could have sent Luna for the Snowdrop Pills! Why Mr. Lewis? Doesn't she have any shame? She should have left! And she's still not divorced!"

Jane comforted Zoey, rubbing her back. "Madam Zoey, anger won't help. The matter's public. We must decide what to do next."

"Do? What can we do?!" Zoey's voice was frigid. "Rumors spread like wildfire. This will be city-wide within a day!"

A chill gripped Zoey's heart. She'd worked so hard to conceal Viola's secrets, only for Viola to expose them herself.