Chapter 1048

A few days later, the rumors finally subsided. Public opinion was curiously fickle. After the storm of gossip, slander, and outrage, some began viewing Skye Embroidery in a new light. This shift might be attributed to the scholars' articles, which prompted other academics to offer more positive interpretations. As one storyteller at the Ascension Coffeehouse noted, Skye Embroidery was, at its core, a lifeline for women cast out of their homes—not some earth-shattering rebellion against morality or societal order. Could it truly be so difficult to show even a sliver of compassion?

However, this perspective was not universally shared. Most still withheld their approval, although the vehemence of their opposition had lessened. Cooler heads, even grudgingly, began to prevail.

Around this time, Leona, the Duchess of Everpeace, made a shocking move. She entered Skye Embroidery and declared publicly that she was severing all ties with Harvey. She disowned him and announced that Skye Embroidery would henceforth be her home.

This decision was not impulsive. When Skye Embroidery stood empty, with no one willing to take residence, Leona had considered moving in. She had discussed it with Alana and Leah, who advised against it, fearing it would seem deliberate and exacerbate the controversy.

Even after the recent upheaval, Leona remained steadfast. Alana eventually consulted Carissa, who met privately with Leona. Afterward, Carissa gave her blessing, on the condition that Leona publicly disavowed her father. Since trouble was bound to come from Harvey, severing their father-daughter relationship would protect Leona from future implication.

Leona's decision, however, wasn't based solely on pragmatism. Many factors remained outside her awareness, but her parents' actions, or rather inaction, had left her heart cold. When she was in trouble, they abandoned her. Even when her grandfather faced hardship, they remained indifferent, never even visiting him.

After her tumultuous marriage to Samuel, Leona had come to understand that some relationships cannot be forced. Love, and family, are the same. Forcing affection where it doesn't exist only leads to pain. Letting go was better for herself and for them.

Chapter 1048

Back at Ironridge Estate, Leopold sent the tearful and hysterical Serena back to her family. Once she was gone, he dispatched someone to fetch Jessica.

At Skye Embroidery, Violet and Hannah were helping Leona settle in when the new steward from Ironridge Estate arrived to escort Jessica back. They assumed Jessica would be overjoyed to return. She had once been so desperate that she swallowed her pride and begged to stay at Skye Embroidery. Now, with the opportunity to return as the Marchioness of Ironridge, everyone expected a triumphant departure, perhaps even a sneer at those she left behind.

Yet, she sat on the stone steps in the main courtyard, arms wrapped around her knees, staring blankly ahead. She hadn't said a word about leaving.

Leona approached and sat beside her cousin. "Jessica, why aren't you going?"

Jessica looked at her with confused eyes. "Going? Where would I go?"

"Back to Ironridge Estate—to take your place as the Marquis of Ironridge's wife," Leona said gently.

Jessica didn't reply. She absentmindedly pulled at a tiny sprig of grass growing from a crack in the stone. It wouldn't budge, and in her struggle, she cut her finger. A drop of blood fell on the stone. She stared at her hand, then at the resilient grass.

"Oh no, you're bleeding!" Leona exclaimed softly.

Selma quickly stepped forward with a handkerchief. "What were you thinking? That grass wasn't bothering anyone. Why tear at it like that?"

Her tone was sharp, as it often was with Jessica. From the day Jessica arrived, Selma treated her coldly.

Initially, Jessica had hated Selma, Hannah, the workshop—everything. She especially despised the broom, a symbol of the forced labor.

And yet, now, she could easily start a fire. Who would believe it?

"Go on," Selma urged. "Go back to your life. The steward has been waiting ages. Are you putting on airs again? How many times must I remind you—be practical and efficient?"

Chapter 1048 (Continued)