Her Majestic Battle Cry

Jacob and Luke used their connections to dig into this old affair. They began with the relatives from other branches of the Earl of Silverstone’s family. When they inquired, they were told that the child had died in a great fire, and that David and Evelyn had mourned for a long time because of it.

It was clear that this information was incomplete, just like the findings of Adrian’s previous investigation. It was only the surface of the truth.

While the investigation continued, Barrett and Viola had already parted ways, each going their separate paths. The divorce had been finalized without dispute, with both sides agreeing to the terms. The dowry, which had once been paraded through the capital on their wedding day, was now quietly returned to Viola.

All she wanted now was to keep things as low–key as possible. She told Zoey that since the Warren family was facing difficult times, there was no need to take large items like bedding or chests. They would only take back smaller valuables, such as jewelry, silks, and other fine items. As for the properties and farmland that came with her dowry, she had already sent people to reclaim those first.

Zoey didn’t handle this personally but had entrusted it to the estate’s steward.

Evelyn and Viola still urged Zoey to see Riley and ask her to clarify the matter. They even offered to pay Riley a thousand gold coins. However, Zoey, along with Luna, had opposed this. It wasn’t worth spending such a sum just to clear Viola’s reputation.

Once that matter was settled, Zoey fell ill. That night, a sudden high fever gripped her, one so intense it left her delirious. They quickly called for a physician, who explained it was due to excessive stress and internal strain, worsened by catching a chill from the autumn breeze while still dealing with the lingering summer heat.

Her children–both biological and those borne by concubines–rushed to care for her, while the concubines in the household also pitched in.

Though the concubines‘ daughters had never had the chance to study at the prestigious Gracewood Women’s Academy, Zoey had not neglected them. She had hired a nanny to teach them with great care, while the sons all attended the family’s school together.

Zoey had poured all of her energy into this marriage, doing what most could do and even what many could not. She had given her all.

When Evelyn saw that Zoey was ill, she realized she had pushed her too hard. Feeling guilty, she angrily scolded Viola, telling her to move to the countryside villa and not stay in the main residence where she might cause trouble for her own nieces and nephews.

Viola couldn’t help but throw a fit, which enraged Evelyn to the point of nearly bursting with fury. novelbin

She slapped Viola across the face. “You wretch Hasn’t your sister–in–law done enough for you? How long will you continue to drag this family down? Do you think that just because we brought you into this world, we’re bound to care for you for the rest of your life?”

It was only because Zoey was so ill that Evelyn’s heart softened with pity.

Evelyn was also a woman of pride. Her daughter had married twice and returned to her parents‘ house both times. It was a stain on her reputation.

Because Zoey was rambling in her fever, Luna didn’t let anyone else care for her. She urged them to leave, saying the boys needed to attend their lessons at the family school, while the girls had embroidery, sewing, and reading to focus on. Staying there would only make their biological mothers worry.

As for the concubines, they were tasked with overseeing things in the back courtyard, helping to ease the burden on the lady of the household.

In her feverish haze, Zoey repeated one thing over and over, wondering when she might finally leave this cursed place.

Those who didn’t understand might have thought she was trapped in a nightmare, desperately trying to escape. But only Luna and Jane understood -Zoey truly wanted to leave the Earl of Silverstone’s family and the estate.

Apart from her children, it was a place that demanded too much of her, where there was nothing but endless worries, unceasing household matters, accounting that never seemed to end, and the ongoing issues in her marriage.

She felt like a pearl, slowly being covered by layers of dust until her luster was completely gone. Had it been just dust, it might have been washed away one day. But now, the dust had worked its way into her heart, dulling her spirit bit by bit. By the time it could be cleaned off, she would have already faded into nothing.

Luna’s heart ached for her sister–in–law. Since marrying into the family, she had rarely faced any difficulties. At first, Evelyn looked down on her because of her merchant background and treated her coldly. It was Zoey who shielded her, calmed Evelyn, and taught Luna how to avoid making mistakes.

This was especially true when it came to socializing. Zoey had always guided her, taught Luna proper etiquette, introduced her to people, and helped her build connections.

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Though Oliver led troops on the battlefield, in Luna’s eyes, it was Zoey who truly wore the armor of a warrior, protecting the entire household.

But who had ever protected Zoey? Who had noticed that the armor she wore was a false one?

She wasn’t invincible.

Viola hadn’t wanted to move to the countryside villa, but she panicked when Riley showed up with her family to cause a scene.