Chapter 1037

Luke returned after speaking with Giles, confirming that Jessica had mistreated the servants—beating and scolding them. When Luke mentioned Emma, Giles broke down in tears. He said Emma was well-liked on the estate and would have been a suitable wife if not for Jessica.

Claire also returned but hadn't uncovered any new information. She had questioned the servants at Ironridge Estate, but they remained silent. This meant that, aside from the few servants who claimed abuse and sought revenge, no one else had come forward.

Clearly, servant management and confidentiality at Ironridge Estate were exceptionally well-handled. It seemed those few servants were intentionally trying to tarnish Jessica's reputation.

"By the way," Claire added, "while we found no new leads at Ironridge Estate, we did discover the source of the widespread rumors. Several scholars wrote articles condemning the workshop, citing numerous moral violations."

"What kind of scholars? Have you identified them?" Carissa asked.

Claire nodded. "Yes, they're all students of Malcolm Quinton."

"Malcolm Quinton?" Violet paused, unfamiliar with the name.

"The Civil Minister from the Quinton family, the queen's father," Carissa reminded her.

"Ah, him," Violet muttered, anger rising. "Why would he do that?"

Carissa wasn't surprised. She sighed lightly. "To advocate for women and help them find opportunities—that should have been the queen's role."

"But the queen didn't, and it's shameful. Why is she trying to steal that from us?" Violet snapped.

"It's shameful now, but Lord Quinton is thinking long-term. He must know that if the workshop continues, it will eventually be recognized and praised. In that case, as the Hell Monarch's princess consort, I might eclipse the queen's glory as the mother of the nation," Carissa explained.

Claire agreed. "Exactly. Even if the queen does nothing, her position earns her popular support. But if she doesn't intervene and Lady Carissa does, that's unacceptable."

"Then why can't she show some support? What's so difficult?" Violet retorted, fuming.

"She can't afford any criticism until the king officially chooses a crown prince," Carissa said.

"So annoying," Violet muttered, realizing Carissa's foresight.

Whether Jessica was dismissed or retained, as long as the truth remained hidden, it would give others leverage against the workshop.

"Claire, monitor Lady Emma's trusted servants and maids, and keep an eye on Giles," Carissa ordered.

"Understood." Claire nodded and left.

As evening fell, Violet sank back in her chair. "If Emma orchestrated all this before she died, I'd be shocked."

"It's a reasonable suspicion," Carissa said, sipping her coffee. "Either way, we must get to the bottom of this."

"And the Quinton family? How do we handle them?" Violet asked.

"Tomorrow's a day off. I'll send Raf to the Quinton family to subtly suggest certain things in person."

"Do you think he'll admit anything?"

"Lord Quinton doesn't need to admit anything. Raf will make it clear the workshop is a done deal. Seeing my junior guild member at his door will make his intentions clear."

Violet nodded. "Let's hope so. I don't want every minor problem surfacing. And Lord Quinton… Now I remember, he took a Kingsley family daughter as a mistress and had a daughter with her, right?"

"That's him. His wife, Madam Marjorie, took the daughter back, intending to have her raised by a concubine," Carissa confirmed.

"Marjorie seems kind and loving. Why do all the good women end up with the wrong husbands?" Violet said, frustrated.

A shadow crossed Carissa's eyes. "That's why we need the workshop to open smoothly. Like the women's academy, workshops will spread everywhere one day."

"I won't act impulsively again," Violet replied contritely.

Rafael didn't return until nearly midnight. After exchanging a glance with his brother and laughing, Salvador entrusted him with some investigations. He'd been busy with court duties and still needed to advise Ian in the evening.

Of course, with tomorrow being a day off, he also had to visit the Quinton family's residence for Carissa. He'd been neglecting her, and felt guilty.

When he learned he could help his wife, he confidently slapped his chest and said, "Leave it to me."