Chapter 1028

The next morning, Rafael, retrieving approved documents from the palace, casually remarked, "I heard from Carissa that the orchids at Edgeview Estate are blooming beautifully. They have a wide variety, and the estate employs many skilled and unusual individuals. Even the servants and maids seem to possess martial arts skills."

Salvador paused, surprised. Ian had been secretly investigating Edgeview Estate for some time, unable to uncover what gave Yuvan the confidence to remain in the capital. But Rafael and Carissa had seemingly discovered it in a single visit.

"We didn't find any guards at Edgeview Estate, but we're concerned that suicide soldiers might be hiding nearby. They're highly skilled and difficult to detect, so we didn't dare intrude recklessly," Ian had reported.

Salvador fell silent for a moment, then asked, "Were they suicide soldiers?"

Rafael smiled. "No."

Salvador shot him an irritated look. "Why are you smiling? What's so funny?"

Rafael's smile widened. "I've recently developed a liking for pointless smiles."

Salvador glared, then chuckled. "You fool."

The brothers exchanged a quick glance and smiled. This smile held unexpected power, as if cracking the high wall Salvador had built around himself.

His question about suicide soldiers suggested he hadn't reached that point in his investigation. However, his willingness to ask indicated openness to sharing Ian's progress and perhaps seeking information in return. A hint of trust, a small step away from his previous reticence, emerged in his approach.

Section A

At Yuvan's urging during dinner, Molly used money to quash rumors about Skye Embroidery. The same group that spread the rumors was now responsible for retracting them. While not entirely convincing, Molly at least made a financial sacrifice to resolve the issue.

Jessica, upon learning this, sought out Molly, but Molly avoided her. Jessica resorted to standing outside Edgeview Estate's gates, shouting her grievances. Concerned about escalation, Fiona ordered Jessica be removed if she reappeared. Jessica returned to the workshop, calmer this time.

The workshop staff, unable to make decisions independently, reported to Hannah for resolution. Jessica waited outside Hannah's residence, Seabrook Estate. Upon Hannah's emergence, Jessica rushed forward, sobbing.

Hannah, unresponsive to force or threats, was more susceptible to a gentler approach. Jessica's arrogance usually wouldn't concern Hannah, but seeing the once-respected duchess in such a pitiful state softened her heart.

"You can stay for a few days, but don't expect to be taken in. I'll try to find you work in exchange for food; that's all I can do."

Jessica was reluctant. "Servants' work? No, I can't do that!"

Hannah motioned for a maid to help Jessica into the carriage. "Then beg for food like a beggar. Don't stay at the workshop. Find a shack somewhere to sleep. The sooner you start, the better."

Jessica reluctantly agreed. "Fine. Find me something, and I'll stay at the workshop for now."

Hannah, massaging her temples, sighed. "Still acting like a duchess…"

Gertrude, a maid, commented, "Madam Hannah, it's easy to invite the gods, but hard to send them away. She's like chewing gum—she sticks no matter how hard you try to shake her off."

Hannah devised a plan. "Tell the workshop to only buy Jessica's food. Everyone else will eat at home. If she wants to eat, she'll cook it herself; if she doesn't know how, she can ask them to teach her. Under no circumstances are they to cook for her. She'll also clean, water the plants, and tend the garden. No work, no food."

Gertrude laughed. "Madam Hannah, that's brilliant! She'll get food at the workshop. If she takes a job, she'll have meals and wages. She'll surely see which is better."

Little did they know, Hannah's momentary kindness would soon spark a new wave of criticism.