Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

When Barrett returned to Valor Estate, the maid had managed to pull the two women apart.

However, both Serena and Viola were in a terrible state-hair disheveled, clothes torn, and their faces marked with scratches and handprints. They looked like they had been in a street brawl.

Rebecca sat on a chair, gasping for breath and glaring fiercely at Viola. "Serena is about to debut into society! How can she face anyone with her face so marred?"

Viola was sitting on the floor, crying inconsolably. Her sobs filled with deep frustration and helplessness.

Barrett strode in and helped Viola to her feet, then handed her a stack of banknotes. "The ruby tiara has been returned. Take this money back with you."

"Are you out of your mind, Barrett?" Rebecca snapped, rising angrily. "Returning the jewelry we bought-what's left of our family's dignity?"

"Bring it back! I won't return it!" Serena had just caught her breath, and she rushed at him. She pounded his chest and displayed an unseemly tantrum. Barrett endured her blows stoically, his face impassive. He was weary of this life, and was utterly exhausted.

Viola was stunned as she held the banknotes in a daze, momentarily forgetting her tears.

After striking Barrett for a while, Serena turned to snatch the banknotes from Viola, who quickly hid them behind her and stepped back.

"What are you trying to do?"

"That was a gift you bought for me! You insisted on buying it," Serena's voice was hoarse and filled with bitterness.

"I regret it," Viola said blankly.

she regretting the purchase of the ruby tiara, or something else?

not the life

rotting, festering

had no say in this marriage. It had been arranged by Natalie, who had come as a matchmaker. Her mother had explained the reasons behind it, and it wasn't that she couldn't refuse, but rejecting it would have been detrimental to her eldest brother's

side who understood her, someone who would

Barrett would be like Thomas, but he

Farrell family was so easy to get along with. Alice treated her like a beloved daughter, sparing her from daily duties and not requiring her to

the Warren

of difficult people.

with the sounds of insults, shouts, and

sw content

felt a deep sense of weariness. Holding the banknotes, she turned and walked out, sitting listlessly in

stopped. She leaned back

aggrieved. Even if Barrett had come to comfort her, it would have eased

Rebecca and Serena left, Yvonne came to report, "Mr. Warren has gone to Madam Aurora." Viola buried her face in her hands, and cried

Why was she being treated this

would have preferred if he had stayed in the study rather than going to Aurora's

didn't stay with her but went

lost. an ear-she looked like a monster Barrett would rather be with a monster-like figure

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