Her Graceful War Song (Carissa Sinclair)

Zoey listened to Evelyn and Viola for a while before speaking up.

"The reason we called you back isn't to discuss those matters. When Thomas died, the Farrell family gave you a divorce letter. It's understandable that you returned to our family, especially since you had no children and the Farrell family didn't want to tie you to them for life.

"Do you remember how you cried before returning to our family, vowing never to remarry? That's why the Farrell family gave you Thomas' pension and the two shops. Now that you've remarried, I think it's only fair to return the pension to them. As for the two shops, we should convert their value into silver coins and return them. What do you think?"

Viola's mind was still numb from shock. Upon hearing Zoey's words, she instinctively shook her head.

"No! Why should I return them? I haven't done anything wrong. If he didn't die, why didn't he tell me? Even though I returned to my family, I remained loyal for several years before remarrying."

"You won't have to provide the money. Mother and I will cover it for you," Zoey said, raising her voice. "But you need to show some effort. This can't just be on me and Mother."

"How am I supposed to? I'm already a part of the Warren family. Besides, I've waited for him all these years..."

Zoey's expression hardened. "Enough with that. What do you mean, you've waited for him? You returned to our family less than a month after he died! Is that what you mean by you were waiting for him all this time? You didn't settle down because you didn't find someone suitable. You were just as eager to remarry as anyone, and after meeting several prospects, you knew exactly why it didn't happen. Others might not know the truth, but we do."

Viola retorted sharply, "So I should have stayed single for life? Have you ever seen a man who doesn't remarry after losing his wife? And don't men also take their wives' dowries when they're no longer together? Why the double standard?"

Zoey remained patient. "I didn't ask you to stay single for life, and you didn't. But you shouldn't have made that vow saying you'd never remarry. That made the Farrell family pity you and give you the pension and the shops."

"At that time, I was Thomas' wife! Wasn't it right for me to receive his pension?"

Zoey looked at Viola. "We're the only ones here now, and there are no servants present. There are some things I don't want to spell out too clearly, but all of us understand the situation. Do I need to repeat myself? Fine. You have no right to keep the pension." Her words made Viola feel guilty.

Luna said softly, "Viola, you don't

need to provide the money yourself, but you should at least show some effort. After all, the Farrell family allowed you to return home. Also, Madam Alice treated you as her own daughter. So I believe..."

"What gives you the right to judge my decisions?" Viola snapped.

She looked down on Luna. The girl was just a merchant's daughter, but didn't know her place.

"Be quiet! If I decide to return it, it will be because of what Mom says," Viola went on.

Luna had grown used to Viola's tone and didn't bother to argue. Engaging with Viola only led to shouting matches, and Luna was tired of it. So, she chose to stay silent.

However, Zoey didn't indulge Viola.

"When will you curb that attitude of yours? Even though Luna's from a

merchant family, she has a more etAll rights © NôvelDrama.Org.

noble character than you. Do I need to remind you of the disgraceful things you've done? Apologize to Luna!"

Zoey had managed the household for many years, and her demeanor commanded respect.

Viola reluctantly said, "I apologize for my harsh words. Please don't take it to heart, Luna."

Luna replied, "We're family, so there's no need for that. Just handle the matter properly so that no one can speak ill of us in the future."

Luna knew Viola's apology was insincere, but it didn't matter. What she wanted was to resolve the situation quickly.

Both she and Zoey were concerned

about the same issue-Viola was unpredictable. They feared she would play on Thomas' guilt to. manipulate him. Then, she would divorce Barrett and worm her way back into the Farrell family

Such a situation couldn't be allowed to happen.

The only way to cut off Viola's options was to return the pension and money so that the ties between the two families would be clearly cut.

That way, they wouldn't have to worry about Viola embarrassing the Earl of Silverstone's family again.