Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Zoey sighed.

"Viola wasn't invited to this banquet. She insisted on coming along. When she married into the Farrell family, after your son died in battle, you returned all the dowry and even gave her Thomas' pension. You even gave her two more shops. Now, everything has been moved to the Warren family. On her wedding day, she even compared her dowry to Lady Carissa's.

"This isn't something I should be telling you, but I couldn't bear to see you worrying about her. You shouldn't concern yourself with her matters. It's more important to take care of your own health. If Thomas' spirit sees you constantly unhappy, he might not rest in peace."

Alice was shocked beyond measure upon hearing this.

Viola wasn't someone Alice would have imagined being like this. She understood propriety and respected her elders, but how had she become this way?

Had Viola always been hypocritical, or had she changed?

Zoey looked at Alice, a phrase stuck in her throat but left unsaid.

"Thank you for informing me, Zoey," Alice said, her voice tinged with bitterness. "I once considered her like a daughter, and wasn't willing to let her live as a widow in my family. Actually, she hasn't visited me even once over the past few years. I should have known then. Well, since she has made her choice, whether it's fortune or misfortune, it's for her to bear."

Zoey bowed. "Please take care, Madam Alice."

she continued, she might end

Alice was too distressed!

who had been accompanying Alice, remained silent throughout. She sensed Zoey was hiding something, but felt it inappropriate to press further since the matter concerned Viola herself.

want to stay here alone for a while. The bougainvillea

blooming vibrantly, contrasting with the pallor in her

With the banquet still to begin, leaving the scene would seem like a slight

She understood Zoey's intentions

and Carissa's kindness. She

no connection to the Farrell family

had a husband, any fur hate

with her might lead to réproach from her husband's family

was about to return to the theater area, she saw Viola approaching her alone. Viola moved quickly

said quietly, "At this point, calling me 'madam' would be more appropriate. It's not right to call

concerned about what might have been said, so she came over. Seeing Alice's attitude so aloof and distant, she felt a pang of anxiety and

advised me not to worry about you anymore," Alice said, her

her. In the letters Thomas had written from the battlefield, he had always reminded Alice to take