Chapter 1133

Barrett snapped at Serena to leave, then instructed Tara to dismiss the servants, allowing only his father and brother to remain. Lately, he'd been drinking heavily. His complexion was sallow and haggard; his hair, a wild, unkempt mess. His beard, barely a few days old, sprouted in a thin, patchy circle around pale, cracked lips. He looked like a mangy dog. His clothes were wrinkled, and the smell of alcohol clung to him.

Zoey recalled the day Barrett married Viola. He hadn't been brimming with youthful energy, but he had been handsome and gallant. Now, he was a pitiable sight, a flower withered too soon, its vibrant bloom faded, its countenance heavy with ruin.

Jonathan spoke first. "Mrs. Prince," he began, "rumors about Viola's past with the Farrell family are rampant, impossible to ignore. Our family, though diminished, cannot tolerate such disgrace."

Zoey expected this. She hadn't come to plead for Viola. She simply asked, "May I request a delay of the divorce until next year?"

Jonathan replied, his voice carrying the weight of paternal authority, "Mrs. Prince, delaying would ruin our reputation. Besides, hasn't she sought a divorce? Why not grant her wish? They've been at odds since their marriage, even losing a child. They were clearly not meant to be. Why prolong it?"

Jonathan, once reckless, had become calculating with age. Family honor was paramount. His son was already ruined; keeping such a wife would only worsen their future. He declared, "We will not touch her dowry. She takes everything she brought."

It seemed reasonable. Zoey, representing the Earl of Silverstone's family, almost asked why Carissa's dowry had been partially withheld, but refrained.

She turned to Barrett, who had remained silent, "If we can't delay it until next year, perhaps a few months? Let us know your compensation demands; there's no need to rush."

Barrett slowly lifted his head, his eyes lifeless. "The physician said the child's death stemmed from a previous miscarriage. I've confirmed she never carried a child while with the Farrells."

"You knew?" Jonathan gasped. "Why didn't you say so? You fool!"

Zoey stared, stunned. He knew, yet never questioned Viola. She should have pressed him—did he even want the divorce? But she couldn't bring herself to ask.

Barrett spoke numbly, "Instead of me, ask Viola if she wishes to remain with the Warren family. I intend to return to the barracks. His Majesty has demoted me, but I can still serve as a common soldier. Ask her if she'll stay with me. If she will, I won't divorce her."

Zoey knew Viola had demanded a divorce, creating a spectacle. But after everything, she might reconsider. If Barrett promised not to divorce her, perhaps Riley could help. But given Viola's temper, Zoey offered no guarantees. She would ask and return tomorrow.