Chapter 770

Part 1:

Carissa shoved Jessica forward, releasing her. Her tone was icy. “You will answer my questions truthfully. Refuse to cooperate, and you won't get a third chance. I'll take you straight to the Supreme Court. Your mother has already been demoted to commoner status.”

“His Majesty has been merciful enough to let you keep your title. But if you don't cooperate, your involvement in Camille's death will be reported to the highest authority. A county duchess charged with murder? Who could possibly protect you then?”

Jessica’s dislocated left arm hung awkwardly, sending sharp pain through her body and bringing tears to her eyes. Though she loathed Carissa, she recognized the woman's ruthlessness and seriousness.

Leopold stepped forward to support Jessica as she sank back into her seat. His voice was cold and steady. “Commander Sinclair is following orders. Just answer her questions.”

He didn't care for Jessica's well-being, but he wanted a divorce finalized before she was taken away. He couldn't allow her to be dragged through the public streets while still bearing the title of the Marquis of Ironridge's wife.

“I didn’t kill her!” Jessica yelled, her fury exploding. “I only told my servants to slap her a few times. She ran into a wall by herself!”

Jessica raised her right hand to shield her face, breaking down into sobs. “How was I supposed to know she’d run into a wall? I’ve had servants beaten before without them dying! I only had them slap her to vent, and it’s all your fault! If you hadn’t fought with me, I wouldn’t have gone back to Harmony Palace in such a bad mood!”

A chill ran down Leopold’s spine. “What are you saying? Every time you returned to Harmony Palace after an argument with me, you took it out on your servants? And you’ve even killed one?”

“Who knew she would die? It was her own foolishness! What does that have to do with me?”

Jessica wiped her tears with her sleeve, her left hand throbbing painfully. More tears streamed down her cheeks.

“You…” Leopold glared angrily between Jessica and Carissa. He knew Jessica had a cruel streak, but he never imagined she was capable of murder. “How can you be so heartless? Just because I argue with you, you take it out on others?”

Leopold's household had always followed traditional aristocratic principles, rarely resorting to beating or selling servants. When Jessica arrived, she caused a stir, but Margaret had quickly established strict rules, keeping Jessica in check. Despite Jessica's title, Margaret maintained firm control, preventing open displays of her cruelty. Yet, Jessica consistently returned to Harmony Palace to vent her frustrations. No wonder she had to escape each time she had a tantrum.

Part 2:

Carissa watched Jessica wail uncontrollably, her expression icy. “A few slaps? Is that all it was? Everyone in Harmony Palace knows you love using your shoes to hit people's faces. You only stop when their cheeks are bruised and bleeding from their mouths and noses! How many times did you beat Camille? You left her deaf and her mouth bleeding constantly. You targeted her specifically!”

Seeing the shock on Leopold’s face, Jessica panicked. “What difference does it make? Hitting someone in the face doesn't kill them! I've never killed anyone!”

Outside, a servant sent by Margaret was eavesdropping. Hearing this, she hurried to report back.

Margaret’s face changed instantly; she leaped to her feet. “What? Is that true?”

“Yes, Madam Margaret. She admitted it herself.”

Margaret sat down, raising a hand. “Go out and continue listening.”

“Yes, ma'am!” The servant hurried out.

Leopold's secondary wife, Emma, looked stunned. “Mother, what should we do? If she’s implicated, it will reflect badly on our household.”

Margaret trembled with anger, her lips quivering. After regaining her composure, she said, “She’s so malicious! I’m sure His Majesty will not allow her to keep her title. She must pay for what she has done.”