Her Graceful War Song

Rosalind threw herself into her grandmother's embrace, resting there for a while before finally lifting her head. Her eyes were red, but they sparkled brightly, as if everything she said came straight from her heart. Carissa and Violet exchanged glances, both sensing something a bit strange.

But they were there to encourage Rosalind to let go of Thomas, so they decided not to say anything further regarding the matter.

After leaving Trevor's residence, the two women returned home and sent someone to inform Thomas of the outcome. Originally, Carissa intended to only relay the news. But after thinking it over, she asked Violet to go see him in person and share everything Rosalind had said. Though she might be a bit slow when it came to matters of the heart, Carissa could still see the discomfort Rosalind felt after making her rapid decision.

Her feelings for Thomas didn't seem to stem from a fleeting infatuation. They must have had some connection in the past, right?

Yet, that didn't seem possible. They were nearly a decade apart in age, and Thomas had joined the military at a young age he was probably only fifteen when he began serving under General Xavier in the military encampments outside the capital. While he could return home occasionally, there shouldn't have been any interaction between him and Rosalind.

After hearing Violet's words, Thomas simply nodded. "Alright. Thank you for your efforts, Your Grace, Violet. I also appreciate Mr. York for coming up with such a reasonable excuse."

Violet paused for a moment and said, "Thomas, Rosalind is a good girl. She's a really, very good girl. She wishes you peace and happiness."

Thomas knew Violet was discerning when it came to people, and her endorsement of Rosalind meant the girl was indeed exceptional. However, he also understood that someone as admirable as Rosalind, especially at such a young age, deserved a gentle and refined suitor.

With a smile, Thomas replied, "I wish her peace and happiness as well, and hope she finds her ideal match soon."

-

Meanwhile, Zoey returned home with Viola and laid everything bare.

"You needn't go around doubting everything and everyone. Thomas was the one who first discovered this matter. He found Silas' emerald pendant tucked between the corner of your bed and the wall, and I told him the rest."

Viola stared at Zoey in disbelief. "He found the emerald pendant, and you didn't even try to cover for me? You're my sister-in-law! Instead, you exaggerated the truth and told him everything? What have I done to you for you to betray me like this?"

"Cover for you? What grudge do I have against Thomas?" Zoey replied coldly.

Viola felt her hands and feet turn icy. She never expected to be betrayed by her sister-in-law. In a fit of anger and tears, she exclaimed, "But you're not even close to him! I'm your sister-in-law! We're family! You'd harm family? Don't you fear

retribution for this?"

She grabbed Zoey's arm. "Come with me to Mom! Is this how you treat your sister-in-law? I've never done anything to you! You've always had your way in this household, and everyone listens to you, including me. Isn't that enough? What more do you want from me?" Zoey shook off her grip, and slapped Viola across the face. "This slap is from me on behalf of Lady Carissa."

Before Viola could process what had happened, another slap landed on her right cheek. "This slap is from Thomas."

"How dare you hit me?!" Viola screamed.

Ignoring her outburst, Zoey raised her hand and brought it down harshly against her own face.

"This slap is for me-it's for all the years I let you get away with everything, for all the times I opened my heart to you, for putting family ties above right and wrong. You

were the one who secrethet

involved with someone, but helped you terminate your pregnancy, found someone to take care of you after, and even personally escorted you back to the Farrell family."

Tears streamed down Zoey's face as she delivered the self-inflicted slap, leaving clear red fingerprints on her skin.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

"Madam Zoey!" Jane cried, rushing over to grab her hand. "Why hurt yourself? If you're angry, you can take it out on me!"

Zoey shook off Jane's hold and struck herself again, crying as she did so.

"This slap is for my foolishness back then. When the news of Thomas' death was reported, you wanted to return to us and take his death pension was too scared to tell you to return it, worried it might reveal something that would shame our family. Well, I'm done with the pretenses today! I don't care anymore. Go ahead and cause a

scene before Mother. Let everyone know what's happened."