Chapter 1044

Sebastian's apprentices, well-connected in the capital's medical circle, quickly learned of any news. As the controversy surrounding the workshop and Jessica intensified, gossip spread among medical professionals. They questioned how a single dose of laxatives could cause a miscarriage.

One person muttered, "She's been drinking Redroot Restorative, which stimulates blood circulation. That can be dangerous, potentially causing excessive bleeding if taken in excess. How could she not lose the baby?"

The gossip reached Rowan, who promptly investigated. He soon discovered the speaker was Aaron Hawthorne's apprentice. Aaron, the Marquis of Ironridge's personal physician, also ran a small clinic with several apprentices.

Rowan's investigation revealed that Aaron, acting on someone's orders, had been sending a special herbal blend to Ironridge Estate daily. This included a small amount of Redroot, mixed with other herbs and masked with dried fruits.

At Glimmering Tower, a middle-aged man with graying hair spoke to Luke about the marquis's household.

"If not for Jessica's interference, Lady Emma wouldn't have died so suddenly. She was so upset. Since joining the marquis's household, Jessica made things difficult for her. Her life was full of grievances, and she fell ill and died so young. It was heartbreaking for us servants," he said, his voice bitter.

Luke listened impassively. He looked up, his voice cool. "I heard Lady Emma lost a child last year. Is that true?"

Still emotional, Giles instinctively nodded. He realized his mistake immediately.

At that moment, Carissa and Violet entered.

Surprised, Giles stood and bowed. "Greetings, Your Grace."

Carissa studied him before smiling. "Giles, please sit."

He hesitated, uncomfortable. "I dare not, Your Grace. I'll stand and wait on you."

"Please sit," Carissa said warmly. "I've asked about you several times but never properly thanked you with a cup of coffee. That was rude of me."

She sat, gesturing to the chair opposite.

Giles glanced at the door, noticing a woman—Violet from the Spencer family in Ebonflow, who had helped organize the workshop.

He hesitated, unsure whether to leave or stay, standing with his hands at his sides, his uncertainty evident. He looked at Luke, who remained silent, his gaze cool, as if saying, "You deceived me once. Don't expect me to let it slide."

Carissa broke the tension. "If you prefer to stand, that's fine. I have a few questions, and I hope you'll help me with them."

Giles bowed slightly. "Your Grace, please ask. If I don't know the answer, I will do my best to find out."

"You must know something about this. It has come to our attention that you spread rumors damaging Jessica's reputation and the workshop's name. I want to know why and who ordered you to do so," Carissa asked.

Giles paled, his eyes widening in panic. "Your Grace, where did you hear such things? I never harmed the workshop's reputation. There must be a misunderstanding."

"There is no misunderstanding," Carissa replied coolly. "It's fine if you don't want to answer that. But I have another question. After Lady Flora became pregnant, her pregnancy supplements were switched with Redroot Restorative. Do you know anything about this?"

Giles was visibly startled. "How could that be? The supplement was personally brewed by her mother. She's given birth before; she would have known if anything was added. And Redroot Restorative has such a strong taste—it's impossible to hide."

Carissa's voice was pointed. "If the dosage is small, the taste is mild. Otherwise, why would it take over a month for the effects to be seen? A stronger dose would have caused a miscarriage immediately. And the person who brewed the medicine wasn't Lady Flora's mother. It was the other concubine, Serena."

"Don't bother denying it. The Mystic Army investigated the herbs' source, daily dosage, and disposal of leftovers. If this were solely the Marquis of Ironridge's family's matter, I wouldn't be involved. But since it involves the workshop, I can't remain silent. So, Giles, do you want to escalate this or handle it quietly?"

Giles remained silent, unsure how much Carissa knew.

Violet spoke loudly, "What's there to decide? Present the evidence and report it to the authorities. Even if the culprit is dead, their deeds must be accounted for."

"No!" Giles dropped to his knees, panic evident. "This has nothing to do with Lady Emma! She's gone; we cannot disturb her spirit. Your Grace, please, it was all me. I did it all. I also spread the rumors about the workshop."

Carissa's gaze turned cold. "'Ms. Spencer didn't even mention Lady Emma, yet you're in such a hurry to bring her up. I suppose it's time to report this to the authorities."

Giles pressed his head to the ground, his fear genuine. "Please, Your Grace! Whatever you want me to do, I will do it. If you want my life, I will gladly give it up."