Melody of Strength 443
Viola was constantly preoccupied with the affairs of both the estate and the family, and she had to dip into her own funds to make up the shortfall. Every day, she was so exhausted that it felt as though her back might break the moment she lay down.
Meanwhile, Carissa seemed to live a carefree and happy life, so Viola couldn’t help but feel a pang of resentment.
While lost in these thoughts, she overheard Serena say, “I heard that Lady Helen publicly stated she didn’t like Carissa in the past. Considering their strained relationship, it’s possible Lady Helen will impose some rules on Carissa at the birthday banquet. With Carissa’s current temperament, she might make a scene.”
Viola remembered Carissa’s haughty and arrogant words from that day while she sat in her carriage. She really wanted to see Helen making things difficult for Carissa.
But without an invitation, how could she possibly attend Helen’s birthday banquet?
Then, she suddenly thought of her own family. With her brother now in charge of the Hell Monarch Army and the banquet being held at Hell Monarch Estate, surely they would send an invitation to the Earl of Silverstone’s family?
With that in mind, Viola excused herself after helping to administer Rebecca’s medication, claiming she needed to visit her own family because her mother was unwell. Upon returning home and asking her mother, she confirmed that they had indeed received an invitation.
Viola immediately said, “Mom, take me with you on that day.”
Evelyn was taken aback. “You already married into the Warren family. It wouldn’t be proper for me to bring you along.”
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“Who cares if it’s proper or not? It’s just a birthday banquet. Just say
that I’m accompanying you because my sister–in–law’s health isn’t great,
Viola insisted.
“What would you go for?” Evelyn asked.
She looked at her daughter, feeling that since Viola’s marriage, her temperament had become increasingly impatient.
“It’s nothing special. I just want to chat with the other ladies,” Viola said, shaking her mother’s arm. “Mom, you know, ever since I married into the Warren family, the family’s fortunes have declined.
“Now that my husband has even been demoted to a ninth–rank official, who would invite me to their banquet if it weren’t for my natal family’s influence? I need to get to know more noble ladies to plan for my husband’s future.”
She continued, “Moreover, I heard they invited the matriarch of the Marquis of Jadehill’s family. You also know that Aurora has offended her. Although she has already apologized and settled the matter, there’s no guarantee that the matriarch doesn’t hold a grudge. As Barrett’s primary wife, it’s up to me to apologize. I’m sure the Marquis of Jadehill’s family will show some respect for my brother and accept it.”
Not knowing about the recent friction between her daughter and Carissa, Evelyn considered Viola’s words reasonable.
She said, “Since you want to go, there’s no need to stop your sister–in- law. She should visit the Hell Monarch’s princess consort as well. After all, even though your brother commands the troops, those soldiers have followed the Hell Monarch through thick and thin. Until now, the name. of their unit is still the Hell Monarch Army.”All rights © NôvelDrama.Org.
Hearing her mother’s agreement, Viola sighed with relief and smiled. Yes, my sister–in–law should go too.”
Evelyn added. “It’s good for you to go. After all, we previously asked Lady Carissa about your husband, and she informed us of many things. We should thank her in person.”
“You’re right, Mom,” Viola responded distractedly.
“Why do you look so pale?” Evelyn closely examined her daughter’s face and frowned. “Haven’t you been resting well? How are they treating you over there?”
Viola immediately perked up. “They treat me very well. My mother–in- law is understanding, my husband respects me, and my father–in–law and elder brother–in–law are also kind. Only my younger sister–in–law is a bit arrogant, but she hasn’t caused me any trouble.”
“And what about your sister wife, Aurora?” the old lady asked.
“We usually keep to ourselves. But there was that incident of her offending the matriarch of the Marquis of Jadehill’s family, after which people started throwing dung at our estate. We had a few words over it, but it was all settled amicably in the end,” Viola replied.
Evelyn sighed. “Recently, there have been rumors in the capital that she was captured and defiled. I don’t know if it’s true, but if it is, it would be a huge embarrassment for the Warren family.”
“Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. In any case, my husband doesn’t care for her. Since he married me, he has rarely visited her and almost never stays overnight,” said Viola..
Evelyn nodded, somewhat comforted. “That’s good. It’s a good thing that your husband is considerate of you. You should also work hard and give their family an heir as soon as possible.”