"Madam Vi!" Zoey''s maid, Jane, called out as she hurried over. "What are you doing here?"


    Vi turned away, her face pale as she murmured, "I heard he''s now a third-rank major general."


    "Who are you talking about, Madam Vi? It''s best not to gossip about others," Jane replied.


    She had spent many years by Zoey''s side and knew exactly who Vi was referring to. She sought to remind Vi to tread carefully.


    But Vi seemed oblivious to Jane''s warning, saying, "The king only made my brother a major general before he left for the Southern Frontier. A major general is the mainmander responsible for defending a region. Which region would he be stationed at?" Jane''s tone turned serious, "Madam Vi, you should be more concerned about your husband. He''s here today too."


    Her heart filled with bitterness, Vi appeared not to hear Jane''s words, continuing, "What merit did he achieve to earn such a reward? Lady Ka''s husband was granted an earldom, and now she has a noble title of her own. He received a third-rank major general title. What great achievement does that represent? Wasn''t it just delivering messages? On what grounds? What about those soldiers who truly fight on the battlefield-don''t they feel disheartened?"


    Jane grasped her arm tightly, her nails digging in to pull Vi back to reality. "Madam Vi, mind your words. We''re at the Quinton family''s residence."


    The sharp pain in her arm jolted Vi, bringing her back to herself. She felt a mix of shame and anger.


    "Who told you to follow me?"


    "Madam Zoey was worried you might get lost, so she sent me to apany you," Jane replied calmly.


    "Is she afraid I''ll get lost? Or is it that she fears I won''t know my ce? She''s worried I''ll embarrass myself and tarnish the reputation of the Earl of Silverstone''s family," Vi shot back coldly.


    "You wouldn''t do such a thing, Madam Vi. Madam Zoey doesn''t think that way either. If you find the crowd too noisy, I can keep youpany while you take a walk in the garden. The breeze today is nice. It will clear your mind and remind you of your identity as a member of the Warren family," Jane responded.


    Vi red at her fiercely. "Shut your mouth. If you''re going to follow me, stay at least ten feet away."


    Fuming, Vi turned to walk away, but it was toote-several eyes were already on them. Now, every nce directed at her felt mocking, as if she were the subject of a cruel joke. She truly didn''t want to stay in this ce for another moment.


    Lost in her thoughts, Vi marched straight out of the Quiton family''s residence, leaving even her maid, Poppy, behind.


    Upon returning, Jane quietly reported to Zoey, who frowned when she heard what happened.


    Vi just left like that? Barrett was still in the courtyard. Also, she hadn''t informed the host before leaving.


    That was quite embarrassing,


    е


    especially since there were so many


    people at the entrance.


    Despite the anger simmering inside her, Zoey maintained a calm demeanor on the outside. Privately, she instructed Jane to find Poppy and have her return as well.


    "Tell her to keep an eye on things," she added. "If anything happens, report back immediately. Also, give her an extra monthly allowance."


    Barrett only learned about Vi''s early departure after the feast had concluded. Once he returned to the estate, he hurried straight to Grace Mansion, where he found her already lying in bed. "Why did you leave early? You could have at least told me," he asked, irritated.


    Vi rubbed her forehead. "I had a terrible headache and thought it best toe home."Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    Seeing her pale face, Barrett''s irritation softened into concern. He sat down beside her. "You should have mentioned that you weren''t feeling well. It''s not proper to just walk out like that without informing anyone."


    As he reached out to gently massage her forehead, Vi couldn''t shake her gloom. Before Thomas returned, Barrett''s tenderness would have warmed her heart, but now...


    The two men were hardlyparable. One was merely a low-ranking guard, while the other was a third-rank major general whomanded troops.


    Today, that fleeting nce from Thomas had still made her heart race. Though it was quick, the meaning behind that look was clear-Vi understood it all too well after being married to him. Thomas hadn''t truly let go of her. She was still in his thoughts.


    Frustration bubbled within her, especially towards her sister-inw, who had returned Thomas'' death pension as if to signify the end of their connection. It left her feeling trapped and uncertain about her next steps.


    No, Vi had to see Thomas, no matter what.


    Noticing her silence, Barrett''s expression grew more worried. "Are you still feeling unwell? I can send for a physician."


    "I''m much better," she replied, grasping his hand.