Her Graceful War Song (Carissa Sinclair) novel Chapter 575

The news that Thomas was still alive had reached Barrett, including the fact that Viola had returned Thomas' pension and the income from the shops.

However, he didn't know that it was Viola's family who had helped Viola repay everything.

Since the assassination attempt and Viola's questioning of his feelings for her, there had been very little conversation between them. After hearing about Thomas' survival, Barrett hesitated for a long time before finally stepping into Grace Mansion.

Viola was sitting on the couch, lost in thought. When she saw him enter with the light behind him, she froze for a moment. She almost called out the name of the person who had been on her mind constantly.

When she realized it was Barrett, her face darkened.

"I thought you'd forgotten where the entrance to Grace Mansion was. It's rare to see you here," she said coldly.

Barrett dismissed the maids before sitting down. "I heard about Thomas."

Viola's voice remained icy. "And what of it?"

Barrett continued, "I know you're disappointed in me and unhappy with my family. Now that Thomas is back, if he doesn't mind that you were married before and you want to get back together, I can help make that happen."

In a fit of anger, Viola hurled a teacup at him. "Barrett, you jerk! What do you take me for? Do you think I'm the kind of woman who switches loyalties at a whim?"

Barrett didn't move, letting the cup hit him. His expression turned uncertain, as if lost.

"That's not what I meant. I just feel my family has treated you unfairly. If there's still a bond between you and Thomas, I'm willing to step aside."

Viola laughed bitterly, her anger flaring. "Step aside for me? It seems you've never seen me as your wife! If you had any sincerity at all, you wouldn't be able to say such a thing."

Her fury wasn't directed entirely at Barrett. If this conversation had taken place before Zoey had made her return the pension and the shops, she might have been pleased to hear Barrett say he would let her go.

Lately, she had been recalling her time with Thomas. Comparing it to her current life with Barrett, there was no contest.

Moreover, Valor Estate was nothing more than a facade. The Warren family was destitute, barely surviving while supporting two entire branches of the family. All of their savings, shops, and estates had been sold off. If not for the fact that King Augustus had bestowed the estate to the Warren family, they likely would have sold that too.