Chapter 1145

Seeing Riley's desperate tears, Zoey felt a pang of sympathy. She knew Riley wouldn't be making such a scene if she hadn't been pushed to the brink.

"Bring Viola here. Use any means necessary," Zoey instructed, her face hardening.

Jane and several servants left the room. Once they were gone, Zoey turned to Riley. "You came seeking closure. Regardless of what Viola says—truth or lies—trust your instincts. Once you've heard her, you'll find your own closure and know what to do."

Riley wiped her tears, revealing a pale but proud face. She wasn't exceptionally beautiful, but a certain pride emanated from her.

"Thank you, Mrs. Prince," she whispered.

Bianca then explained to Zoey and Carissa that they were only concerned for Riley; despite the numerous relatives present, their aim was justice, nothing more. They hadn't known about Silas and Viola's past affair. Upon discovering it, Riley confided in her family, who urged her to let go of the past, deeming it a youthful indiscretion that shouldn't overshadow her marriage. Life had moved on after that. Silas had been a model husband since their marriage, causing no scandals or taking concubines. But recently, Riley had returned home in tears, claiming Viola and Silas were still in contact, having been seen together at Arcane Sanctum, leading to her outburst.

As parents and relatives, they felt compelled to defend her.

Carissa listened to the tangled family drama. Even in her feverish state, Zoey understood. "I understand your frustration. While it's in the past, it was dishonorable, a transgression against morality; one could even call it disgraceful. This is the wound Mrs. Lewis carries. But we can't solely blame Viola—Mr. Lewis is equally at fault."

Bianca replied, "We know. Riley's brothers have already addressed Silas's actions. But now Silas wants to cast Riley out. We won't allow that. If it comes to it, they should divorce by mutual agreement. We're here because we had no other choice. Please understand, Mrs. Prince."

Zoey offered a wry smile. "There's no need to seek my understanding. I only wish for resolution."

It hardly mattered now—everything was broken; what difference did further collapse make? Only more ruin lay ahead.

"We apologize for troubling you, Your Grace," Bianca said, bowing, her voice trembling.

"I'm here as commander of the Mystic Army, representing the Garrison Unit. Family matters are outside our purview, but this situation has escalated. A report prompted my intervention to prevent further escalation. It's not about justice, but maintaining balance. Let's speak calmly and resolve this," Carissa stated.

From the outset, Carissa had been more observer than participant. She strongly suspected Viola had sought Silas out, but couldn't state it definitively; it was merely her deduction based on her observations.

Jane and two servants dragged Viola into the room. Her face flushed with anger as she berated them for their audacity. Seeing the assembled crowd, she attempted to flee.

"Stop her!" Zoey commanded.

"This ends now, Ms. Viola. You can't hide. Madam Zoey has shielded you, and she's ill. You must explain yourself to Mrs. Lewis," Jane declared, preventing Viola's escape.

Viola remained cold, avoiding Riley's gaze. "What's to say? She ruined my reputation. I was buying Snowdrop Pills that day; I couldn't find them, so I asked him for help. I've had no contact with him since, and the previous incident wasn't as you imagine."

Riley wiped her tears. "You say no contact, yet you knew he worked at Arcane Sanctum? You knew you'd encounter him there? If the previous incident wasn't as we believe, then what happened?"

Chapter 1146