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.

of the ruby tiara, or something else? She

this was not the life she

festering cesspool

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

side who understood her,

had thought Barrett would be like Thomas, but

to get along with. Alice treated her like a beloved daughter, sparing her from daily duties and not requiring her to wait on her. In the Farrell household, there was

the Warren family

people.

with the sounds of insults, shouts, and

sw content

she felt a deep sense of weariness. Holding the banknotes, she turned and walked

evening, Viola's crying had finally stopped. She leaned back on the chaise, tears still quietly

Barrett had come to comfort

left, Yvonne came to report, "Mr. Warren has gone to Madam Aurora." Viola buried her face in her

done wrong? Why was

preferred if he had stayed in

hurt tonight, yet Barrett didn't stay with her but went to

ear-she looked like a monster

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