Chapter 1012

Before Carissa could visit Margaret, rumors about Skye Embroidery spread like wildfire the next day. It was said that Carissa and Hannah were hypocrites, having refused help to a discarded woman and made her situation worse.

Many already harbored hostility toward Skye Embroidery, believing that sheltering discarded women challenged social order. A woman's casting out was seen as deserved; even jealousy and infertility were considered crimes.

The swirling rumors made the workshop a target of widespread criticism. The public scorned them—some called them hypocrites, others suggested ulterior motives, and some accused them of profiting from the situation.

That evening, Violet slammed her fists on the table. “How could Jessica cause such a stir on her own? I don’t believe it.” Furious, she stormed out.

Carissa called after her, “Where are you going?”

“To Glimmering Tower! I need someone who can look into this,” Violet replied, without looking back. Her body trembled with rage. She had invested heavily in the workshop, her intentions good. She empathized with the women and hoped the workshop would provide lifelong support. Being slandered was unbearable.

Carissa was upset but less distraught. She knew this wouldn't be easy. Plenty of kind, wealthy people existed; if this were simple, it would have been solved already. She sent a messenger to Margaret, arranging a visit the next day.

However, she learned Margaret was ill and bedridden. The reply stated the older woman would visit Hell Monarch Estate in a few days after recovering. Unsure if the illness was genuine or a way to avoid involvement, Carissa left further investigation to Violet.

Carissa had her own matters to attend to, particularly dealing with Garrison Unit members she planned to expel. She was making arrangements and expected the king's wrath in the coming days.

Chapter 1012

While investigating, Violet confirmed her suspicions: Molly had used money to incite attacks on Skye Embroidery.

Since Molly's arrival in the capital, Violet had avoided her. Although infuriated by her cousin's actions, she still held familial affection and was reluctant to sever ties. This time, however, she couldn't hold back. Skye Embroidery was her lifeblood, and seeing it undermined was unbearable. Not beating Molly senseless would mean she was too soft-hearted.

Violet had Claire inform Carissa, then headed straight for Edgeview Estate. The gatekeeper, seeing her approach, rushed out with two guards wielding drawn swords.

“Who goes there? Who do you seek?” one guard asked, his stance imposing as he stood on the stone steps.

Violet suppressed her fury, saying, “Tell your princess consort that Violet Spencer has come to see her.”

The name Violet Spencer was familiar at Edgeview Estate. After a quick appraisal, the guard gestured for the gatekeeper to announce her.

After the warm spring arrived, Ruth's health improved, but remained unstable. Yuvan had refrained from going to the palace to tend to her for the past few days.

Setbacks in his efforts—Icarus's and Penny's failures—were making Yuvan increasingly irritable. Worse, he received a report from Valken that Harvey had been robbed while traveling from the capital to Valken. All valuables in his trunk had been replaced with stones and wood.

It was clearly the work of someone from Hell Monarch Estate. But in the capital, their force was beyond Yuvan's reach. Recently, entering or leaving the city, he felt watched. Perhaps he'd always been observed, but this felt different—more oppressive, as though eyes were everywhere.

As he discussed with Wayne whether to plan a return to Valken, a messenger arrived: Violet had come to see Molly.

Yuvan's eyes lit up; he exchanged a glance with Wayne, unable to conceal his excitement. Without hesitation, he ordered, “Have Molly come to the study, and have Ms. Spencer brought to the main hall. Prepare refreshments for her.”