Chapter 1036

Jessica reflected on years of strained emotions and conflict with the deceased Emma. Death felt like an extinguished light, and in retrospect, most of what had angered her seemed self-inflicted. She had been overly critical and fault-finding.

After a long silence, she whispered, "Actually, she was a good person. She was devoted, kind-hearted, and bore an heir for the marquis. She managed the household for many years. If she hadn't miscarried last year, her health wouldn't have deteriorated so rapidly."

"She miscarried last year?" Violet asked.

"Yes. Her health was always fragile. The physician advised against another pregnancy, but she became pregnant unintentionally. The child was weak and couldn't be saved. The miscarriage severely weakened her. Without that, she wouldn't have died so young," Jessica explained.

Carissa remembered asking Luke about Emma, but he hadn't mentioned the miscarriage. He'd only said she'd suffered a prolonged illness after giving birth to her second child. It was clear Giles knew more than he'd revealed to Luke, sharing only selected details.

Violet sighed inwardly. Emma seemed genuinely good. Even the sharp-tongued Jessica spoke well of her.

Such a capable and intelligent woman, repeatedly harmed by pregnancy complications, ultimately meeting an untimely death. It was a tragic waste.

"You're sure you never killed any of the servants?" Violet asked.

Jessica looked hurt. "No, I didn't. I admit to hitting and scolding people, but not often. Madam Margaret disliked me, and most of those around me were my own people. If I needed to vent frustration or anger, it was always directed at them."

During the carriage ride back, Violet abandoned the idea of dismissing Jessica.

Carissa said, "Let's each state our suspicions."

"Alright," Violet replied.

They looked at each other, and the names came out simultaneously:

"Serena!"

"Lady Emma and Serena!"

Chapter 1036 +25 BONUS

Violet stared in shock. "You suspect Emma? She's dead, and even when alive, she was too ill to leave her bed. How could it have been her?"

Carissa reasoned, "If you were Serena…"

"Ugh, I'm not!" Violet spat.

Carissa nodded. "Fine. If Travis were Serena, after entering the marquis's household, she would have made an enemy of Jessica. Wouldn't she have needed a powerful backer?"

"Just say it's Serena, don't bring up Rod. I really don't want to run into him later and feel the urge to punch him." Violet tilted her head. "You make a valid point, but didn't Serena manage to get Jessica on her side?"

"Getting Jessica on her side wouldn't help. Jessica lacked power in the household and constantly bullied Serena. Serena couldn't connect with Madam Margaret, and the Marquis of Ironridge didn't like her either. To gain leverage, she'd have to rely on Lady Emma, who held authority. Of course, this is just speculation," Carissa said.

Violet agreed. "True. Serena couldn't have relied on Jessica. The marquis disliked her, and Serena is an opportunist. She must have understood Emma's value—the mother of the eldest son and the household manager."

"Exactly. If we assume that's the case, Serena must have been working with Lady Emma. But, firstly, she couldn't directly oppose Jessica, the primary wife. Secondly, Lady Emma and Jessica weren't openly feuding, so Serena played both sides. When Jessica asked her to administer the laxative, she immediately told Lady Emma, who knew her time was running out. With the Marquis favoring the pregnant Lady Flora, Lady Emma had to plan for her children's future…"

Carissa paused, realizing she might be assuming too much ill intent from Emma without sufficient proof.

"I've instructed Claire to investigate further. We'll see what she finds and discuss it again," she concluded.

Violet, who had been listening intently, fell silent before saying, "But your reasoning makes sense."

"Oh? So, you agree? Who was throwing a tantrum earlier?" Carissa teased.

Violet grinned. "I've forgiven you for today's outburst. Don't bring it up again."