Chapter 1029

The day after Jessica moved into the workshop, rumors about her divorce spread rapidly throughout the capital. Whispers claimed she had plotted against the Marquis of Ironridge's children, clashed with his concubines, and even attempted to murder one by pushing her into the water. Further rumors implicated Jessica in usury.

Despite these accusations, the Marquis of Ironridge's family hadn't handed her over to the authorities; they simply dismissed her. This, coupled with Skye Embroidery's decision to provide her with food and shelter, shocked the public.

Carissa, preoccupied with the Garrison Unit cleanup, was unaware of the ensuing backlash against Skye Embroidery. She learned of it the day before completing her operation and immediately questioned Violet.

Violet, flustered, explained, "Claire investigated. Molly didn't leak the news. It likely originated from the Marquis of Ironridge's family. They never officially explained Jessica's dismissal, so someone within Ironridge Estate must have spread the rumors. Whoever did it wants to completely ruin Jessica."

Carissa frowned. "This isn't just about ruining Jessica—it's about destroying Skye Embroidery. Have you identified the culprit? Spreading rumors on this scale must have been expensive."

"Someone you know well from Ironridge Estate. Could it be her?" Violet replied.

"Serena?" Carissa pondered, then nodded slowly. "She's the most likely candidate. She hates Jessica and despises Amelia, after whom the workshop is named. But Serena lacks the resources to do this alone. She'd need help."

They exchanged a look and simultaneously exclaimed, "Flora!"

Flora, having lost a child due to Jessica's actions, was the most likely candidate to go to such lengths. Carissa had previously considered what type of medicine could cause a miscarriage with a single dose, but Margaret's illness and refusal to meet had prevented her from investigating further.

Violet's face paled, and she felt overwhelmed by anger and distress. "Now everyone knows we took Jessica in! They're saying we're sheltering a criminal and covering up a crime. The accusations are cruel, Carissa. I think this might be the end for us."

Chapter 1029 (Continued)

"Don't worry. There's always a solution," Carissa reassured her. "With Skye Embroidery in crisis, I'll postpone the Garrison Unit matters for a few days. I need public support. Once the Oversight Department is involved, we can make progress."

"But what can we do now?" Violet fretted. "I saw Mrs. Lloyd today. She regrets the decision. Even if we dismiss Jessica, it's useless; someone's determined to cause trouble."

"Let's have Claire investigate and confirm whether the rumors originated from the Marquis of Ironridge's family," Carissa suggested.

Violet felt despondent that day, but her resolve returned by the next morning. She and Travis set out to find the source of the rumors. Avoidance was futile; they had to confront the situation directly, hoping for a chance to turn things around.

The next day, as Carissa prepared to return to Capital Guard headquarters and send a formal notice of a visit to Ironridge Estate, Luke intercepted her.

"Your Grace, the Marquis of Ironridge's secondary wife passed away last night. A visit would be inappropriate now."

"What? Was her condition that serious?" Carissa exclaimed, disbelieving the news. "Are you sure it was Lady Emma?"

"Yes. Giles told me. He said her health had improved with warmer weather, but worsened suddenly in the past few days. She passed away last night," Luke explained.

"What illness did she have? I saw her last year and noticed nothing amiss," Carissa said, confused.

"Giles said Lady Emma's health was always delicate. She oversaw household provisions and worked tirelessly. Something happened during her second pregnancy that caused illness. He didn't know the specifics, but mentioned overwork as a contributing factor."

The death went largely unnoticed, kept low-key by the Marquis of Ironridge's family due to the recent rumors. Even the funeral was quiet, the loss only becoming known when the coffin was carried out.

However, the lack of an official announcement fueled new rumors. Some claimed Jessica had poisoned Emma, who had only survived thanks to medical care and expensive medicines, but ultimately succumbed. This solidified public belief in Jessica's culpability.