When Carissa went to the pce to deliver her report, she also expressed her sympathy for Zoey besides presenting the confession. She didn''t hide her admiration for Zoey in her words.


    Despite her difficult life, Zoey still had a kind heart. She continuously gave out food and medicine. Even though her whole family now lived in Skye Embroidery, she never asked for the money she had given away to be returned.


    Furthermore, Zoey had shown great courage and moral integrity. She had publicly condemned her kin for the sake of the greater good-a rare quality that many men, even among the nobility, could not aspire to. Recognizing the need for such an example to inspire his people, Salvador immediately issued an edict praising Zoey. He granted her 100 gold coins and a residence.


    As for the exiled men from the Prince family, they could return to the capital after the Southern Frontier won the battle, along with the Hell Monarch.


    Zoey had turned an impossible situation around. Now, who would dare to underestimate women?


    As for Oliver, there was no need for an investigation. An order was given for his execution he was to face the Torso Cleaving, a punishment in which the criminal is cleaved in two. Celeste, who had aided the rebels and caused great harm, was to face the same fate.


    Salvador somewhat regretted his earlier decision to show leniency to the Kingsley family women. Had he not considered them victims, Celeste would have long been imprisoned and never allowed to cause such turmoil in the Southern Frontier. The remaining members of the family in the nunnery also remained a concern if there were still any with malicious intent hidden among them, they posed an ongoing threat. Though he did not speak directly of it, Salvador had given Galen a few brief instructions: when time permitted, Galen was to visit the nunnery and keep a watchful eye on the people there. It was a subtle order, more for monitoring than for any other purpose.


    When Galen departed, Carissa understood Salvador''s intent. However, he had already made a clear promise before as long as Carmen and the others didn''t do anything excessive, they wouldn''t face any trouble.


    Still, Carissa sent word to her associates, urging them to take care. She feared that in Celeste''s final moments, the bond of sisterhood might prompt some reckless act that could bring about more trouble. Meanwhile, Evelyn had learned of Oliver''s capture and his death sentence by Torso Cleaving. In her grief and fury, she railed against Vi and Zoey. She used them of betrayal, and fell to the ground in a fit of tears. She couldn''tprehend why one would betray a brother and the other a husband.


    Evelyn caused an uproar, her grief and rage twisting her features as she struck Zoey and Vi sharply across the face. She demanded that they find a way to save Oliver.


    Zoey had been kneeling on the floor, pleading for Evelyn to calm down. When she saw the situation


    getting worse, she got up. She went to the kitchen, grabbed a knife, and threw it on the ground. Then, she dragged all the other concubine-born daughters and Luna''s daughter to kneel beside her.


    "If you wish to save him, then kill us


    to`sa


    all first," Zoey dered, her voice shaking with emotion. "If we speak even a single word on his behalf, His Majesty will hold us all equally guilty. So, let us die together, as a family."


    Evelyn staggered back in horror, tears streaming down her face as she cried, "No, His Majesty could never be so cruel! It is you who are heartless and have betrayed him!"


    Zoey picked up the knife and thrust it into Evelyn''s trembling hands. "If we are heartless, then avenge him. We are no longer worthy of life. Let us all go together and apany him in death."


    Evelyn recoiled, her hand shaking as it touched the cold steel of the de. A shudder ran through her, and her tears fell freely. "Is there truly no other way?"


    Vi, still kneeling, sobbed


    uncontrobly. There is no other way, Mom. Qiver hasmitted a heinous crime. If His Majesty does not execute him, the hatred in his heart will never be quenched. The fact that we haven''t been


    Λου


    condemned as well is a mercy. If you continue with this and His


    Majesty hears of it, not a single one of us will be spared."


    Evelyn wept bitterly. "But it shouldn''t be you who betrayed him! How heartbroken must he be, being betrayed by his wife and sister? You are too cruel!"


    "Are you saying that none of you are upset that he betrayed your family?"


    Just then, Jessica arrived at Skye Embroidery. She had been watching from outside for a while and couldn''t help but walk in.


    "When he fled with his concubine, did he think about you?" she sneered coldly. "Had it not been for the protection of others, your bodies would lie in a mass grave by now."


    Jessica stepped even closer and stood before Evelyn, her gaze hard.


    "Listen here, you selfish old woman! Your daughter-inw is still willing to show you respect and care for you. You should be thankful and quietly rejoice. Oliver has wronged her and cares nothing about your


    fate.


    "These countless trials you have endured-Zoey has stood by your side, suffering alongside you and your entire family. Now, you dare to me her? Have you ever thought about how heartbroken and hurt she also feels? You''re no different than your heartless son! Both of you are just bullying her."


    Jessica''s words hit Zoey hard, and tears streamed down her face in heavy drops. Her pain was clear for everyone to see.


    Evelyn could see it too-whether she chose to care was another matter.


    Evelyn slumped into the chair, staring nkly for a long moment before finally breaking down in loud, uncontroble sobs.