Chapter 1206

Jocelyn said nothing, her face ashen. Resentment lingered toward Courtney, but understandably so; Courtney had defended Thomas. The scandal involving those families was appalling. The Farrell household's disarray and the vile events within such a large estate—was it not right to speak of them? Jocelyn's slap had been impulsive, but Courtney had provoked it by defending Thomas. A wise woman avoids such people and situations.

The two sat in silence, Cassidy occasionally sniffling. Jocelyn's mind raced. Finally, she sighed, "Actually, returning to the academy wouldn't be so bad. But the queen dislikes the academy."

Jocelyn, a sheltered girl, unable to keep secrets or grasp the gravity of some matters, confided in Cassidy.

Cassidy stopped crying, confused. "The queen dislikes it? But the academy was established by the queen dowager's decree…"

"Perhaps it's because Lady Carissa is the headmistress," Jocelyn said slowly. "At the palace with my aunt, I overheard the queen speaking to her. The king initially considered Lady Carissa a consort, so the queen disliked her. Therefore, she dislikes the academy and the workshop Lady Carissa founded."

She touched her lips. "This is a secret. You mustn't tell anyone."

Cassidy nodded solemnly. "I won't." Then, she wept again. "How could this happen? Why did those people barge in and…abduct people?"

"Yes…" Jocelyn murmured, her expression suddenly changing. Her eyes widened in fear.

"What's wrong?" Cassidy asked, noticing the shift.

Jocelyn froze, as if struck. She stared, lips trembling.

"Nothing… I'm fine. It's just…terrifying. If something like that happened to me—my life would be ruined."

Cassidy nodded gravely. "Yes, it is terrifying."

Chapter 1206

Jocelyn left in a daze. Before departing, she warned Cassidy not to reveal their conversation.

Cassidy promised, "Don't worry, I won't tell." But a girl's "I won't tell" is a fragile assurance. Once Jocelyn was gone, Cassidy sought her mother.

Winifred, quick-witted, grasped the implications immediately. She sighed. "You mustn't speak of this. There will be consequences. If not for Ms. Young's protection, you'd be ruined. Tomorrow, you'll thank Ms. Young at Highstone Estate."

"I understand," Cassidy said, burying her face in her mother's embrace. "I regret treating Ms. Young so poorly. I even said she was pursuing General Farrell, and he didn't want her."

Winifred slapped her daughter's head. "How dare you? Respect your teachers! Never speak to that Quinton girl again!"

"But Jocelyn's my friend. She didn't mean it. The queen made her do it," Cassidy protested.

Winifred froze, silencing the conversation. The Quintons were powerful. Kylie was queen, and the eldest prince was the heir apparent. Even with ties to the Quintons, the Xaviers dared not speak beyond necessity. The silenced dock foreman served as a stark warning. Even knowing something, the Xaviers remained silent.