Chapter 1096

Before leaving the capital, Molly visited the Hell Monarch Estate again to ask Violet for the letter she intended to write to her father. Warned by Carissa, Violet refused Molly's request, dismissing her quickly.

Molly tried again, her eyes brimming with tears instead of anger. "Violet, I know you disdain me, but I truly see you as my little sister. We bought many things in the capital that we can't take back. If Skye Embroidery can use them, I'll send everything there."

Violet, skeptical, crossed her arms. "Are you truly this generous?"

Molly bristled. "I'm a woman, too. Naturally, I want to help other women. Besides, it's all unneeded items—grain, clothes, fabrics, embroidery supplies, and even flowers. It's impractical to transport them to Valken. If you don't believe me, you can oversee the delivery."

Violet, noting Molly's irritation, suspected less insincerity and more a desire to curry favor. Still, the items would be useful; the Edgeview Estate flowers, in particular, were stunning and diverse, perfect for Leona, and would surely brighten Camila and Soraya's spirits.

"I'll wait until Carissa returns and go with her," Violet said cautiously. Carissa usually visited the workshop every other evening.

Molly frowned. "Then send someone to ask when she'll return. We leave in two hours. Or, I'll leave you the key, and you can collect the items yourself."

"That won't work," Violet replied. "If anything's missing, you'll blame me. I'm not falling for that."

Violet glanced at the clock. It wasn't midday, but Carissa likely wouldn't return from Capital Guard headquarters until evening, given the Garrison Unit's recent overhaul and assessments.

Molly, growing impatient, said, "Forget it. I'll have someone from the household deliver the items. Stop being so fussy—it's just things I'm giving you. I'm asking for nothing in return. Dealing with you is exhausting."

Violet immediately objected, "That won't do. I can't trust you to just walk into the workshop. I need to inspect everything first."

Molly scoffed. "Fine! Wait at Edgeview Estate's gate; my people will bring everything out. You can inspect each item, and once satisfied, I'll have it sent to the workshop. You can even ride with the cart. Is that safe enough for you?"

Violet considered this. It sounded reasonable. The flowers needed careful handling, however; left unattended at Edgeview Estate, they would wither.

"Alright," she said. "I'll ride my horse there." She wasn't riding in their carriage.

Preparing to leave, she encountered Travis. She told him, "I'm going to Edgeview Estate. They're donating fabric, clothes, and grain to the workshop."

"Carissa specifically said not to go to Edgeview Estate," Travis said, alert.

"I'm not going inside," Violet reassured him. "I'll stay at the gate, inspect the items, and accompany the cart to the workshop. I don't trust them to deliver everything themselves."

"Why not wait?" Travis suggested. "I have an errand, but I'll be back in two hours. I can go with you then. It'll be safer."

"No need. I'm not going inside," Violet said, leading her horse away. Making a fuss only made her seem afraid.

Travis frowned but relented. "Be careful. Don't enter the estate, and don't eat or drink anything they offer. That Wayne fellow is very suspicious."

"I got it," Violet said, mounting her horse. She left through the side gate and joined Molly's carriage, heading for Edgeview Estate.

Upon arrival, Violet remained outside. Molly and Fiona directed servants to dig up the flowers, carefully wrapping the roots in damp cloth. Numerous luxurious fabrics—over fifty bolts in various colors—were present, along with grain, smoked meat, and staples like oil, salt, vinegar, and coffee. Violet used a silver needle to check everything carefully. Nothing seemed amiss, but she noted that Ivy or Rowan should inspect everything again at the workshop, just to be sure.