Zoey was sitting at the table, sewing a new dress for her daughter. Once the dress was finished, she planned to embroider some decorative patterns. After all, her daughter was now living at Hell Monarch Estate; it wouldn't do for her to rely completely on the royal household for everything, especially her clothes.

Her mind was in turmoil. The words Carissa had spoken kept circling in her thoughts, and she couldn't shake the feeling that it would come to pass.

If Oliver found himself without options, he would surely return to the capital. Whether or not he would immediately come looking for her afterward was uncertain, but she had a sense that he would first try to find Evelyn.

He wouldn't turn to Zoey unless he was certain that Evelyn could offer him no help. But Evelyn was deeply attached to her son and would go to any lengths to try and assist him.

Zoey had followed them the entire day, and while nothing had happened, that didn't mean it wouldn't happen in the days to come. If Oliver returned to the capital, it would only be for money. He wouldn't have the intention of staying in the city for long.

Evelyn had no money, but after years in the capital, she had cultivated certain connections. She could borrow a little here and there, pulling people into her troubles without them realizing it.

However, Evelyn couldn't go out by herself. She was too ill to leave the house, and she couldn't bring herself to go and ask for help. Most likely, she would have to send Luna or Viola to do it.

As Zoey pondered these things, Viola entered the room quickly.

Zoey looked up and asked, "What's wrong, Viola?"

Before Viola could answer, tears were already streaming down her face. "Zoey, I've done so many foolish things in the past. I've caused you so much trouble, embarrassed you, and even harmed my nephews and nieces. I regret it deeply now when I think about it. I truly do."

Zoey, who had noticed the change in her sister-in-law since her ordeal in Astral Prison, could see the difference clearly now. Viola no longer carried the sharpness and bitterness that once defined her. While there had still been remnants of her spoiled demeanor when she first arrived at Skye Embroidery, she had long since softened.

However, she never expected her sister-in-law to come personally to apologize. In truth, her children were connected to Viola by blood. They would always be family, no matter what. If Viola could recognize her past mistakes and humble herself enough to say thank you, Zoey should simply accept it.

"It's all in the past. Look ahead. Things will get better," Zoey replied gently.

With tears still streaming down her face, Viola said, "Hearing you say that brings me peace, Zoey."

If anyone else had said it, Viola wouldn't have believed them. After everything that had happened, how could things possibly get better? But if Zoey said it, she believed it-because the older woman had the strength to make it happen.noveldrama

Zoey handed her a handkerchief. "Wipe your tears. You're not a child anymore, what's with all the crying?" Viola took it, dabbing at her eyes, and then noticed the dress Zoey was making. The fabric was soft, a playful shade probably for her daughter.

"Courtney is living in Hell Monarch Estate now, right? Is she settling in well?"

"She is. The people at the royal residence have been very kind to her," Zoey answered with a warm smile. Viola froze for a moment, realizing how foolish she had been, always comparing herself to Carissa, whether openly or in secret. The thought made her embarrassed. Quickly, she turned her attention to her sister-in-law and got to the point.

"Zoey, there's something I need to

tell you. Olive has returned. I saw him yesterday, when I was at the general shop on the next street. He asked for 3,000 silver coins and told me to get it for him as soon as possible. He also warned me not to tell you."

Zoey's hand, holding the needle and thread, trembled slightly. Though her face remained calm, her heart was storming with fury.

When he went looking for Viola,

Oliver must have already known that

their family had been punished because of his cowardice. The Prince family's men had been exiled, while the women were sent to Skye Embroidery. They were in such dire straits, without even a home to return to.

Yet, he had the nerve to ask for 3,000 silver coins?!

What kind of scoundrel had Zoey married?

She forced down her raging anger and asked, "Does Mother know about this?"

"She does. She said I shouldn't tell you and that I should go to Isaac for the money," Viola replied. Zoey's anger flared in an instant. "Why should we?"

"Mom said she gave him several shops before the family assets were seized. Now, asking him for 3,000 silver coins would simply be us asking for the family's money-at least that's how she put it," Viola explained.

Zoey sternly said, "What belonged to Oliver has already been confiscated by the court. The portion given to Isaac is his own. No one has the right to demand it.

"Whether Isaac would actually give

us the money doesn't matter. If he does, it would be considered as him aiding a known criminal's escape That's a crime. If you and I are caught up in this, we could end up back in Astral Prison, living a fate worse than death."

The mention of Astral Prison made Viola shudder, a deep dread filling her.

She quickly shook her head. "No, I don't want to go back there."

She hadn't realized the gravity of the situation. Thankfully, she had told Zoey. If she had agreed to help

Oliver escape, even by just giving him some money, it would have been a serious crime!

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