Chapter 1177

After leaving the palace, Violet went to Skye Embroidery while Carissa went to Gracewood Women’s Academy. Carissa had already warned Jocelyn against further trouble, threatening expulsion. Alas, the peace proved short-lived.

Catherine, upon seeing Carissa, immediately understood the reason for her visit—Jocelyn's behavior. "She shows no interest in her studies," Catherine explained. "Perhaps it would be best to persuade her to withdraw voluntarily. This would avoid a scene, especially considering her impending engagement." Catherine, unafraid of the Quinton family, genuinely cared for Jocelyn's future; expulsion would severely damage her reputation. Catherine empathized with young women, understanding the life-altering consequences of a failed match.

Carissa nodded. "Don't worry, Mrs. Ashford. I'll ascertain the facts before speaking to her."

"There's been no major incident," Catherine replied, "but she and some other girls have been disruptive in class, particularly during Ms. Young's lectures. They create disturbances, upsetting everyone, including Ms. Young, who is still young and inexperienced in handling such situations."

Carissa suspected Rosalind's inaction stemmed from a belief that this was more than mere student misbehavior; someone might be undermining the academy. This was beyond Rosalind's immediate control.

Carissa sought Rosalind but encountered Jocelyn, accompanied by Hailey and Cassidy. To Carissa's surprise, they offered an apology. Jocelyn and her friends bowed deeply before Rosalind, their remorse seemingly sincere.

"We were wrong," Jocelyn stated. "We caused trouble, Ms. Young. We humbly ask forgiveness and promise it won't happen again. Any punishment—lines or palm strikes—we accept without complaint."

Carissa observed from the doorway. She doubted the sincerity of their apology; troublemaking students rarely experience such a sudden change of heart. Something else was afoot—either concealment or external influence.

Rosalind's expression revealed a flicker of relief at their confession, but nothing more. "Since you acknowledge your fault and accept punishment, each will receive twenty palm strikes. Go to Ms. Wardell."

Ms. Wardell, Athena, a former study partner of Meredith's, oversaw discipline. Strict and feared, she was not known for leniency.

Jocelyn's surprise was evident; she expected lines, the usual penalty. A flash of anger—visible only to Rosalind—crossed her face.

"Why are you still here?" Rosalind's voice, sharp and commanding, brooked no delay.

Jocelyn attempted to negotiate. "Twenty strikes is excessive, Ms. Young. Could we write lines instead? I'll copy as many as you wish."

The other girls echoed this plea, claiming palm strikes would hinder their writing and studies.

Rosalind remained firm. "Leave Gracewood, or see Ms. Wardell. Choose, and cease wasting my time."

Unwilling to accept their fate, they argued that their offense did not warrant such harsh punishment, their voices overlapping in a chaotic plea.

Rosalind, while capable of reason, struggled with this chaos. Just as her temper threatened to flare, Carissa intervened from the doorway. "What? Twenty strikes insufficient? How about thirty? Continue arguing, and it becomes forty."