Her Majestic Battle Cry

Chapter 1133

Barrett snapped at Serena to leave, then instructed Tara to dismiss all the servants, allowing only his father and older brother to remain in the room..

Lately, Barrett had been drinking more than usual. His complexion appeared sallow and haggard. His hair was a mess, like wild grass growing unchecked. His beard, likely only shaved a few days ago, had already grown out in a thin, patchy circle around his pale, cracked lips. To any onlooker, he resembled a wild, mangy dog.

His clothes were wrinkled, and the lingering smell of alcohol on him was unmistakable.

Zoey couldn’t help but think back to the day when Barrett had married Viola. Though he wasn’t exactly brimming with youthful vigor, he had been a handsome and gallant young man. Yet now, he was reduced to such a pitiable state.

He resembled a flower that had withered too soon–its once vibrant bloom now faded, its countenance heavy with ruin.

He remained silent, and it was Jonathan who spoke first.

“Mrs. Prince, word has spread far and wide that Viola had already committed a grave mistake when she was part of the Farrell family. The rumors are rampant, and it’s become impossible to maintain any peace. Though our family may not be what it once was, we cannot tolerate a woman who brings disgrace upon her marriage,” he said.

Zoey had expected this. She hadn’t come here to plead with Barrett to not divorce Viola.

Instead, she asked only one question, “I won’t press on other matters, but may I ask if it’s possible to delay the divorce until next year?”

“You’re quite the strategist, Mrs. Prince,” Jonathan replied, his voice carrying the rare weight of paternal authority. “If we delay the divorce until next year, our family’s reputation will be ruined beyond repair. Besides, hasn’t she already been asking for a divorce? Why not fulfill her wish?

“They’ve been at odds since their marriage, without a moment of peace. Even when she finally conceived, the child was lost. Clearly, they were never meant to be together. Why force it any longer?”

Jonathan was once a reckless man who feared nothing, but had become more calculating with age. When it came to matters of family honor and moral standing, he was uncompromising.

His son was already ruined. If they kept such a wife in their family, what kind of future would they have?

Taking charge of the situation, he declared, “Though we’re casting her out, we won’t touch her dowry. Whatever she brought with her, she can take back. Not a penny less.”

It did sound reasonable, didn’t it?

If Zoey hadn’t been representing the Earl of Silverstone’s family, she might have asked why they had insisted on withholding half of Carissa’s dowry when they cast her out in the past. But of course, she didn’t ask that.

Instead, Zoey directed her next words to Barrett, who had been silent’all this time, with Jonathan speaking on his behalf.

“If we can’t delay it until next year, perhaps we could wait just a few more months? What if we aim for the end of the year? Whatever compensation you seek, please let us know and we’ll consider it. There’s no need to rush into a decision,” she said.

Barrett slowly lifted his head, his eyes lifeless. “Actually, I already knew. When the child couldn’t be saved, the physician said it was due to a previous miscarriage that had damaged her body. I’ve inquired, and she never carried a child while she was at the Farrell household.”

“You knew?” Jonathan gasped. “Why didn’t you say anything sooner? You fool.”

Zoey was equally stunned, staring at Barrett in disbelief. He knew, but never asked Viola about it. Zoey should have taken the opportunity to press him–did he not want to divorce Viola? But for some reason, she couldn’t bring herself to ask. novelbin

Barrett continued, his expression numb as he spoke slowly, “Instead of asking me, why not ask Viola directly if she still wishes to remain with the Warren family?

“Kindly convey this to her–I intend to return to the barracks. His Majesty has not stripped me of my eligibility to serve in the military. He has only demoted my rank and title. So, I may return, though I must start again as a common soldier. Ask her if she’s willing to stay with me. If she is, I won’t divorce her and we can continue as we were.

Zoey knew that Viola had caused a scene over wanting a divorce; it had been quite a spectacle. But after everything that had happened, Viola was likely to reconsider. If Barrett promised not to divorce her, then perhaps they could resolve things by asking Riley for help.

But given Viola’s temper, Zoey couldn’t guarantee it would work out. All she could say was that she would ask and return tomorrow.

X