Carissa and Violet escorted Giles to Ironridge Estate.


    Following Emma''s passing, Margaret''s health deteriorated further. She remained bedridden after the funeral, unable to rise.


    When Carissa arrived, Margaret had just taken her medicine and was lying propped up in bed. Serena stood by, tending to her. Though Serena didn''t look up at Carissa, a storm of emotions stirred inside her.novelbin


    It was because when Carissa arrived, she had announced shee to deal with Jessica''s issue and had brought Giles along.


    Serena harbored a deep hatred for Carissa. She could never forgive Carissa for what had happened. No matter how much she hated Carissa, however, Serena couldn''t help but fear Carissa. With Carissa''s current position and power, taking down a lowly concubine from Ironridge Estate would be as easy as breathing.


    Margaret had rejected Carissa''s invitation once before, but now, Carissa had shown up after the funeral had just concluded. Margaret knew this was because Jessica''s situation had dragged down Skye Embroidery, and the issue had to be resolved sooner orter. As Carissa entered, Margaret took the handkerchief Serena handed her and wiped the medicine from the corner of her mouth.


    "You''vee because of Jessica, haven''t you? I''m so sorry to trouble you. You can just drive Jessica out. I''ll send someone to take care of her at the estate," she said weakly.


    Margaret had lost a lot of weight. Her eye sockets were sunken, and her skin was pale with faint yellowish patches. The darkened circles on her only emphasized her worn-out appearance, and she seemed devoid of any energy. Her once serene and dignified presence waspletely gone.


    "Are you feeling any better?" Carissa asked gently.


    Margaret forced a weak, strained smile in response. "Better... Yes, much better. You''re very thoughtful, Your Grace."


    Serena, standing to the side, squeezed her handkerchief and said, "The physician said Madam Margaret must not be agitated, or her condition will worsen. You''re here to visit, so please finish and take your leave."


    Carissa didn''t look at Serena. Instead, she turned to Giles and asked, "Do you want to exin things to Madam Margaret yourself, or would you prefer that I speak for you?"


    Giles dropped to his knees and sobbed out Margaret''s name.


    Suddenly, Serena raised her eyes, her gaze sharp and cold. "Giles, think carefully about what should and shouldn''t be said. Don''t let someone provoke you into spitting out lies that would tarnish the good deeds of thete Lady Emma toward your family." Margaret''s eyes widened. "What''s going on?"


    She shot a cold, piercing nce at Serena-so sharp that it sent a chill down Serena''s spine.


    "I..." Serena quickly stammered, "I was just worried Giles might be persuaded by Carissa to do something he shouldn''t."


    "Either way, it''s not your ce to speak," Margaret rebuked her coldly.


    Serena gritted her teeth, anger rising within. This old woman was so ungrateful! After all the days Serena had spent tending to Margaret, she couldn''t even earn a little sympathy.


    Margaret had never once doubted Emma-never. So when Giles finished recounting Emma''s scheme, she was left speechless and lost in disbelief. She struggled toe to terms with it, her mind racing.


    After a long pause, she finally whispered, "Why?"


    As soon as the question left her lips, she understood. She sighed deeply, her face contorting with grief as she stared nkly ahead, her eyes filled with sorrow.


    Serena dropped to her knees, her voice full of misery. "Madam Margaret, I was coerced by Lady Emma! Please, have mercy and see the truth!"


    Margaret didn''t even nce at


    Serena but instead turned her gaze back to Carissa, trying to maintain herposure. "Your Grace, I will ensure that the workshop receives a proper exnation. I will put an end to the rumors circting outside. Please, rest assured."


    Carissa nodded slightly. "Please take care of yourself, Madam Margaret. Nothing is more important than your health. Farewell."


    Margaret''s eyes reddened slightly. "Thank you, Your Grace."


    As Carissa and Violet turned to leave the courtyard, they suddenly heard Serena''s frantic cries echo behind them.


    "Madam Margaret, please have mercy! It was all Lady Emma''s doing-I didn''t dare defy her! Please don''t cast me out!"


    Then, footsteps hurriedly followed


    from behind. Serena was there, her voice dripping with venom and fury. "Carissa, did my family dig up your family''s grave? Why else would you be so bent on ruining us?"


    Carissa didn''t look back, her voice calm and dismissive. "Where''s that stray doging from, barking so loudly?"


    Violet snorted withughter. "She


    really is a stray dog, isn''t she? When her mom died, she didn''t even go back. That''s cutting ties with your family, isn''t it? Doesn''t get any more ''stray'' than that."  en


    Serena was seething with rage. "Carissa Sinir!"


    Neither of them paid Serena any further attention, striding away without a second nce.