Violet had been leaving early and returningtetely. Even before the sun was up, there would be no sign of her. Yet, without fail, she would return to Skye Embroidery for an hour or so.


    The workshop had gained a new addition recently-Eliza Carter, a woman cast out of her home. Her brother had offered to take her back in, but her sister-inw disagreed. Not wanting to cause trouble for her brother, Eliza had instead chosen toe to the workshop. The two of them worked on embroidery and shared quiet conversations, never speaking of the past, only of the future. Violet quite enjoyed this peaceful atmosphere. On her asional visits, she found herself chatting with Leona while na and Leah were also around. Their rtionships seemed to grow closer with each passing day. Zoey also came by and happened to run into Violet that day, so they chatted casually for a while.


    Violet knew that Cedric was training under Travis, and said frankly, "He''s diligent, but hecks some natural talent. He''s more suited to being a schr."


    Zoey wasn''t bothered by it, and smiled. "No matter. I don''t expect him to be a martial arts prodigy. I just want him to be strong enough so that if trouble everes, he won''t be caught unprepared."


    Her words, though light-hearted, struck Violet as oddly bitter.


    If she thought about it, the concern was clear. The heir to a noble house would be well-guarded on the road. If he were traveling to visit rtives, he would be surrounded by attendants, guards, and servants in abundance. If he were to take the national examinations and be appointed as an official in a distantnd, the entourage would be just as grand. The noble heir would have little to worry about in terms of hardship or danger.


    The only ones who could truly be under threat and endure suffering would be those exiled.


    Though the Earl of Silverstone''s family was no longer at the height of its power, it still held a prominent position-so why did Zoey seem to worry about such things?


    Just as Violet was about to ask, Jane quickly entered. Not caring that Violet was present, Jane hurriedly reported, "Madam Zoey, Madam Luna sent someone to summon you. She asks that you return to the manor quickly. Madam Vi has tried tomit suicide!" Zoey shot to her feet. "Why? Was she saved?"


    "She was saved... but... let''s talk as we go."


    Jane knew that family matters were not to be aired outside. In her panic, she had spoken hastily. Now, the details couldn''t be shared publicly.


    Violet craned her neck, eager to hear why Vi had taken her own life. When she saw that no one was speaking, a sense of disappointment settled over her.


    Zoey soon reached the workshop''s entrance and saw that Luna''s maid, Maya, was already waiting. The three of them climbed into the carriage together.


    "Madam Zoey, Madam Evelyn hasn''t


    been feeling well these past few days," Maya exined. "Madam


    Vi decided to buy some Snowdrop Pills for her. She knows these pills are rare, expensive, and usually not sold. So, she went to Arcane Sanctum herself


    "Unexpectedly, she ran into Mr. Ss Lewis. When she found out the Snowdrop Pills were unavable, she begged him for help. She even cried in front of him, telling him about her difficulties.


    "Mr. Lewis'' wife, who hade with


    food, saw this and caused a scene. She used Madam Vi of past imprope conduct with Mr. Lewis Many people heard their argument, and Madam Vi was so ashamed that she went back and hanged herself."


    Zoey listened, her hands suddenly cold. She could hardly believe what she was hearing.


    She had been arranging a suitable match for her daughter, hoping to settle the marriage soon. With this scandal, how could she possibly continue with it? Her whole body shook with anger.


    "With all the servants in this house, why did she need to go out and buy medicine for Mother? If it was necessary to get Snowdrop Pills, she could have sent Luna! Why go to Mr. Lewis Doesn''t she have any е shame? She should have turned and left as soon as she saw him. And she''s still not divorced, for heaven''s


    sake!"


    Jane hurriedlyforted Zoey, rubbing her back. "Madam Zoey, being angry now won''t help. The matter''s already out in the open. We need to think about what to do next."


    "Do? What can we do?!" Zoey''s voice was cold. "The rumors among themon folk spread like water. Within a day, this will be all over the city!"


    Zoey felt a chill spread through her heart. She had worked so hard to keep everything hidden and covered for Vi, only for her to expose it all herself.