When fate plays its hand

Chapter 1069

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Viola didn’t know what to do, so she decided to let the cold war drag on.

After all, it was she who brought up divorce. Barrett only agreed in a moment of impulse. If they really went through with it, he would never find another wife.

Who would want him? The only chance he’d have would be to marry a merchant’s daughter or a commoner. No family with any kind of status would ever accept him.

“Let’s not speak of tonight again,” Viola said, sounding tired as she closed her eyes. Tomorrow, send for the physician. Tell them I’m unwell and need to rest for a few days.”

“Yes, Madam Viola.” Poppy was unsure whether her mistress truly wanted a divorce, or if she was just venting in frustration. She fell silent and didn’t dare to press the matter further.

The next morning, Barrett stood waiting at the gates of Hell Monarch Estate. This time, het was there to seek an audience with Rafael, not Carissa.

When Rafael emerged, he saw Barrett standing by the corner with his horse, his face pale and drawn. He waved for Dylan to approach and inquire.

Barrett immediately led his horse closer, bowing his head in respect. “Your Highness.”

“What do you want?” Rafael asked, sizing him up.

Barrett gathered his courage and asked, “Your Highness, might I ask if the people of Westhaven have dealt with Aurora?”

Rafael was still irritated at how Barrett had stopped Carissa outside the royal study, and he couldn’t muster any sympathy.

“How would I know? Ask someone else,” he responded coldly.

“Your Highness!” Barrett quickly stepped forward, blocking his path. He bent low in a more urgent bow, pleading. “I know you’re the first to hear news like this. I admit I’ve made countless mistakes, but please, for the sake of my cooperation with the Ministry of Justice, tell me what you know.

Rafael’s frustration turned into amusement. “Barrett, your ‘cooperation‘ with the Ministry of Justice is your duty as a subject and your way of protecting your position and family.

on’t try to make it sound lik

you’re doing me a favor. If you want favors, go to the

Ministry of Justice.”

Barrett realized that Rafael wasn’t responding to his plea and lowered his head further to apologize. “I misspoke, Your Highness. I simply wish to humbly plead that you would share what you know.”

Chapter 1069

Perhaps it was due to the nightmares that had been haunting him lately, but Barrett’s complexion was worse than ever. His eyes were sunken and his posture was slumped, as if the weight of his life was pulling him down further.

Rafael wasn’t interested in speaking with Barrett any longer. He gave a dismissive wave and said, “If there’s news, I’ll have someone send word. As of now, I haven’t received anything. You may leave.”

“But-”

“But what? Just leave for now,” Rafael cut him off, urging him to leave. He didn’t want Barrett lingering around and possibly running into Carissa, which would surely stir up gossip.

And gossip, as always, would only harm the woman.

“Your Highness, please remember, if you hear anything, send word to me. Otherwise, I’ll have to come back,” Barrett insisted.

Rafael could hardly contain his frustration. It was becoming absurd.

“Just go!” he snapped.

Barrett bowed and turned, leading his horse away. As he reached the gates, he stole at glance back.

Rafael, cold as ever, stared him down. “Still here? Do you want me to force you to leave?”

With that, Barrett quickly mounted his horse and rode off.

Rafael watched him leave for a moment, ensuring he wasn’t Once satisfied, he

turned to Dylan. “Keep watch. If he turns back, send him on his way. No pleasantries.”

After giving the order, Rafael mounted his horse and hurried off. He needed to check in at the office.

When Barrett came asking about Aurora, Violet noticed him. She had been on her way to the workshop, but paused at the gates for a moment before turning around to find Carissa.

Violet’s voice dripped with sarcasm. “Oh, if I didn’t know better, I might think he’s some kind of devoted man.”

When Carissa heard Violet’s words, she couldn’t help but think back to the time before their divorce, when Barrett had returned from Victory Pass and told her about Aurora.

Back then, Barrett had seemed to be in love with Aurora, but that was before she had revealed her true, ugly nature beneath the mask. Once the illusion of love had shattered, Barrett’s feelings faded too.

Even so, the bond they had shared on the battlefield–fighting for survival together–had

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Chapter 1069

left something behind, something that couldn’t simply be erased. His confession in the Ministry of Justice, where he felt responsible for betraying Aurora, had added a layer of guilt he could never shake.

“Let’s not dwell on their business,” Carissa said, trying to push the thoughts aside. “I should be getting back to the Capital Guard headquarters.”