Chapter 229

When Jessica married Leopold, he was still the heir apparent. After the death of Leopold's father, the previous Marquis, Leopold inherited the title and became the Marquis of Ironridge. Upon inheriting the title, Jessica became the marquis's wife. However, the family's reputation suffered a severe blow. If not for the family matriarch, Margaret Dawson, still being alive, the reputation of this century-old family might have been ruined.

The Marquis of Ironridge's family had four branches, and Jessica never got along with any of them. When she first arrived, she used her status as a princess to dominate the household, even attempting to interfere in the affairs of the marquis's sons.

In the end, she failed at everything, caused considerable chaos, and became widely disliked. She also spent a great deal of money in the process. Her actions caused Margaret to collapse in fury. Sebastian had to be summoned to treat Margaret, who still had to manage the household's finances despite her illness.

Such an esteemed family would usually keep its internal troubles private, but Jessica's antics were so outrageous that they could no longer be concealed. In her rage, Margaret declared she would never hand over the family's authority to Jessica as long as she lived.

Leopold's second wife was Margaret's niece. Although she entered as a second wife, Margaret elevated her status. She also became pregnant shortly after her arrival. Now, she had a son and a daughter, and was even expecting another child. Her position was thus secure.

The Marquis of Ironridge's family did not tolerate the mistreatment of servants or the oppression of secondary wives, but secondary wives were expected to adhere to their duties, with strict rules in place.

Jessica's chance to gain prominence in the Marquis of Ironridge's family would come only if Margaret died or if she bore a legitimate son. This is why Jessica continuously sought refuge and protection from her mother, feeling utterly out of place and disliked in her husband's family.

So, when officials from the Royal Citadel arrived today to question Jessica, Margaret sent someone to investigate. She discovered it was related to Carissa, the Duke of Northwatch's daughter, being slandered.

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Margaret knew there was no need to ask further. She was confident that Jessica was behind it.

Margaret had little interaction with the Sinclair family and was only acquainted with Melanie through social events and a minor dispute over a bracelet, which had been amicably resolved.

The Marquis of Ironridge's family had been established in the capital for a century because they followed certain principles. They did not take advantage of kind or weak people, and they built a reputation for kindness and righteousness. They were not afraid of the powerful or influential and worked to protect their own family's authority and respect.

They also respected heroes, especially those who defended the kingdom. They also ensured they did not offend military figures. Even if conflicts arose with military figures, they resolved them quickly.

This was because the Marquis of Ironridge's family members knew that those rough and uncouth generals, despite their crude manners, were fiercely dedicated once on the battlefield. The ancestors of the Marquis of Ironridge's family had once been military men themselves. Though their descendants preferred scholarly pursuits and officialdom, they still held a deep respect for warriors.

So, when Margaret learned that Jessica had hired storytellers to slander Carissa—who had done great service for the kingdom—she was both enraged and embarrassed.

Even after the officials left, Margaret refused to believe Jessica had not been involved, no matter how much Jessica tried to explain herself.

In her fury, Margaret even swore, "Nonsense! I'd believe a pig could climb a tree before I'd believe that you had no hand in the scheming against Carissa Sinclair! I was ill and couldn't attend your mother's birthday banquet, but what you did It's shameful. As the marquis's wife, you couldn't even recognize Mr. Spencer's painting, and you tore it right in front of everyone!"

Seeing that no one would believe her, Jessica's anger flared. "Yes, I did that! No matter what I say, you won't believe me anyway. You all would love nothing more than to see me cast out of your family, but do you dare? If you did, do you think my mother would spare your family?"

With that, Jessica slammed the door and stormed off. Then, she packed her things and returned to her mother's residence.

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Margaret was so furious that she nearly fainted, but she retained some composure. She ordered gifts to be prepared and resolved to personally visit Carissa the next day to offer an apology and make amends, while also addressing an old matter to ease her troubled mind.