Chapter 993

Skye Embroidery was complete and ready to accept women. Davis’s wife, Hannah, had even hosted a garden party to publicize it, and soon the local community buzzed with excitement. However, despite the attention, no woman who had been cast out of her home dared to enter the workshop.

Violet was puzzled. Her investigation with Claire revealed that many outcast women lived in impoverished, secluded nunneries, performing the hardest, dirtiest labor. They sometimes went without food for days. Even those fortunate enough to return home endured harsh treatment from their brothers- and sisters-in-law, making their lives unbearable.

On March 10th, a woman's body was discovered in a river. The Royal Citadel confirmed she had worked as an embroiderer after being cast out for infertility.

Learning of this, Violet was distraught. She immediately went to Capital Guard headquarters to find Carissa.

Seeing Violet’s distress, Carissa comforted her: “This was always going to be difficult. Our workshop hasn’t accepted anyone yet, and no one wants to be first. Stepping inside is like announcing their abandonment to the world. They can’t overcome that mental hurdle.”

Violet’s heart ached. “But not going to the workshop doesn’t mean people don’t know they were abandoned.”

She was deeply frustrated. She had poured so much effort into Skye Embroidery, hoping to provide these women a chance, a place to rebuild their lives. To her surprise, they seemed to prefer death to entering the workshop.

“Patience, Vivi,” Carissa replied. “We knew this wouldn’t be easy. It’s just the beginning. The woman who drowned was likely heartbroken and desperate.”

“But living is what matters most!” Violet exclaimed, disheartened. “Why are they so foolish?”

Carissa rubbed her back. “We can’t judge their choices unless we’ve walked in their shoes. We know living is paramount, but their experiences and perspectives differ from ours. We can be disappointed, but we must not lose hope. The workshop must continue, no matter how hard it gets.”

“Our path is the path to survival,” Violet said, her tone softening. She always listened to Carissa.

Chapter 993 (continued)

“But why should they believe us? We’re strangers,” Carissa said.

Violet sighed. “I know. It’s a shame. She was an embroiderer. If she’d entered the workshop, it would have been best for her. Once someone takes that first step, others will follow.”

Carissa considered this. “Here’s an idea. Have Claire watch for outcast women. When she finds one, we’ll talk to them and try to help.”

“Good plan,” Violet agreed eagerly. “Once the first one enters, it’ll be easier.”

“One more thing,” Carissa said seriously. “We’ve overlooked the emotional wounds of these women. Even if they enter, they’ll likely experience sadness and despair. They’ll need comfort and guidance. Only then can they truly begin to live again.”

“I’m not good at comforting, but Mrs. Lloyd might be,” Violet said.

“Zoey seems invested in the workshop, right?” Carissa asked.

“Yes, she even checked on things during the repairs,” Violet confirmed.

Carissa nodded. She felt Zoey and Luna, despite their different personalities, would be perfect. Zoey was strong-willed and a good guide; Luna was gentle and soothing. If they helped, they could do much good. She decided to visit them personally.

Violet sighed. “Cari, there’s a huge stigma surrounding outcast women. People shun them. I also worry—once the workshop accepts these women, who will buy their embroidery?”

Chapter 693 (Note: There's a significant jump in chapter numbers. This suggests a possible error in the original text.)