When fate plays its hand (Miranda)

Chapter 1037 Luke returned after speaking with Giles, confirming that Jessica had indeed mistreated the servants-beating and scolding them. When Luke brought up Emma, Giles broke down in tears. He said that Emma was well-liked at the estate and would have been a rightful wife if it hadn't been for Jessica.

Claire had also returned, but hadn't uncovered any new information. She had tried asking the servants at Ironridge Estate, but they didn't say anything. This meant that, aside from the few servants who claimed they had been abused by Jessica and were seeking revenge, no one else had cforward.

Clearly, the management of servants at Ironridge Estate and the confidentiality of the inner workings of the estate were handled exceptionally well. It seemed those few people were intentionally going out of their way to tarnish Jessica's reputation.

"By the way, while there were no new leads at Ironridge Estate, we did find out the reason the rumors were spreading so wildly. A few scholars wrote articles condemning the workshop, listing several moral violations it had committed," Claire added." "What kind of scholars? Have you traced them?" Carissa asked.

Claire nodded. "Yes, the scholars are all students of Malcolm Quinton." "Malcolm Quinton?" Violet paused, not recalling the nimmediately.

that?" "The Civil Minister from the Quinton family, the queen's dad," Carissa reminded her.

"Ah, him," Violet muttered, anger rising in her chest. "Why would he do that?" Carissa wasn't surprised at all. She sighed lightly. "To speak up for women and to help them find a way out-that should have been the queen's role." "But the queen didn't do it. And it's a shameful thing to be doing. Why is the queen trying to steal that from us?" Violet snapped.

"It's a shameful thing now, but Lord Quinton is thinking in the long-term. He must know that if the workshop continues, there will ca day when the people will recognize and praise it. In that case, as the Hell Monarch's princess consort, I might overshadow the queen's glory as the mother of the nation," Carissa explained.

Claire nodded in agreement. "Exactly. Even if the queen doesn't do anything, her position as the mother of the nation still earns her the people's support. But now, if the queen isn't stepping in and Lady Carissa is, that's just not acceptable." "Then, why can't she just show ssupport? What's so difficult about that?” Violet retorted, fuming.

"She really can't support it now. She can't afford any criticism, not until the king officially +25 BONUS Chapter 1037 chooses someone as crown prince," Carissa sald.

"So annoying," Violet muttered, realizing Carissa had been right to consider things so carefully.

Whether it was sending Jessica away or keeping her, as long as the truth hadn't been uncovered, it would give others leverage to use against, the workshop.

"Claire, keep an eye on Lady Emma's trusted servants and maids, and also pay attention to Giles," Carissa ordered.

"Understood." Claire nodded and left to carry out her tasks.

As the evening grew later, the sky darkened around them.

Violet sank back into her chair. "If Emma really arranged all of this before she died, my jaw would hit the floor." "It's just a reasonable suspicion." Carissa sipped her coffee. "Either way, we have to get to the bottom of this." "And the Quinton family? How do we handle them?" Violet asked.

"Tomorrow's a day off. I'll send Raf to the Quinton family to hint at sthings face-to-face." "Do you think he'll admit to anything?" "No need for Lord Quinton to admit anything. We'll have Raf go and make it clear that the workshop is a done deal. Once he sees my junior guild member at his door, he'll know exactly what we mean.

Violet gave a small nod. "Let's hope so. I really don't want every little nuisance coming out of the woodwork. And that Lord Quinton... Now I remember, he took a Kingsley family daughter as a mistress and even had a daughter with her, right?" "That's him. His wife, Madam Marjorie, took the daughter back, saying she was going to have her raised by one of the concubines," Carissa confirmed.

"Marjorie seems like a kind and loving woman. Why is it that all the good women end up with the wrong husbands?" said Violet, her voice tinged with frustration.

A shadow passed over Carissa's eyes as she spoke softly, "That's why we need to make sure the workshop opens smoothly. Just like the women's academy, workshops will spread everywhere one day." "I won't act on impulse again," a deeply moved Violet replied guiltily.

Rafael didn't return until nearly midnight. After exchanging a glance with his brother and laughing.

Salvador entrusted him with a few matters to investigate. He had been busy with 2/3 +25 BONUS Chapter 1037 court duties during the day and still needed to carve out a few hours at night to offer advice to lan.

Of course, with tomorrow being a day off, he still had to go to the Quinton family's residence for Carissa. He had been neglecting her recently, and his heart weighed heavily with guilt.

When he heard that he could help his wife, he slapped his chest j-apped e.

confidently and said." Leave it to me." REL 19