Chapter 1031

Violet insisted, "But if we expel Jessica, we won't be entangled in this mess anymore."

Carissa replied calmly, "And then what? What if something similar happens again? This situation presents an opportunity to learn and improve. We should set aside our biases and thoroughly investigate. If the accusations are true, we expel her. If not, we give her a chance. What do you say?"

She continued, "Vivi, it's crucial to set aside our biases. Every woman expelled could be falsely accused. If we jump to conclusions, no one will want to join us."

"I understand your logic. For the workshop, it's the right approach. But personally, I can't stand Jessica. And she's not innocent. Let's just expel her. Don't you dislike her?" Violet grumbled.

"I do," Carissa replied flatly.

"Isn't that enough? If we both hate her, why should the workshop accept her? I considered investigating first, but didn't she and Molly cause all this trouble? She had bad intentions. She couldn't join the workshop, so she tried to ruin it. Now, the Marquis of Ironridge's family wants to destroy us too. It makes me furious!"

Violet's anger escalated with each word.

"You said not to let personal feelings influence our decisions about accepting people. But our reason for starting this was to help. Why is helping okay, but letting feelings guide us isn't? Without personal feelings, Skye Embroidery wouldn't exist!

"And I hate Jessica because she and her mother bullied you! If anyone should be angry, it's you. Why are you still considering helping her? If the workshop accepts people like her, it should shut down.

"You said you hate her too, so why are we even considering keeping her? Someone like her deserves to be expelled and left to suffer. Honestly, I'm starting to agree with those who call us hypocritical."

Carissa understood her friend's temper; Violet rarely spoke so harshly. However, after Jessica's expulsion and subsequent slander with Molly, Violet's fury was understandable. Violet had tried a rational approach, but too many rumors were spreading, worsening daily. Today's events pushed her to the breaking point.

Carissa waited for Violet to calm down before saying, "Let's meet with Jessica. Afterward, if you still want to expel her, we will. How does that sound?"

"I don't want to see her, or even go to the workshop," Violet said, agitated. "It's filled with townspeople throwing rotten vegetables and eggs. It's a mess."

Carissa sighed, relenting. "Let's have Claire investigate the abuse claims."

Violet's frustration resurfaced. "You still disagree. You don't want to expel Jessica. I've already investigated; further investigation is unnecessary. She's trouble."

She stood to leave. "Do whatever you want."

Carissa let her go, understanding Violet's discomfort and anger over the trouble Jessica caused.

Lulu, who had been eavesdropping, entered.

"My lady, if we expel her as Ms. Spencer suggested, wouldn't that solve everything? Why conflict with Ms. Spencer?"

Carissa looked up. "Lulu, have you considered that the troublemakers might be targeting the workshop, not just Jessica?"

Lulu was confused. "Why target the workshop? Isn't it because of Jessica?"

Carissa sighed. "Right now, yes. But from the start, we faced opposition and criticism. Many didn't want us to succeed. With this mess, do you really think a few servants are behind it all?"