Her Graceful War Song (Carissa Sinclair) novel Chapter 1006

Carissa furrowed her brow. "Why would she go to the workshop?"

Skye Embroidery had been advertised as a place for women who had been abandoned or cast out—those with nowhere to go and struggling to make a living.

Jessica should still be able to survive after her divorce. As far as Carissa knew, Jessica owned several properties and shops. Even after being cast out, she could continue living a comfortable life.

The maid from the Lloyd family explained, "She said she had nowhere else to go and insisted on staying. She even insulted Madam Hannah and claimed that since the workshop takes in divorced women, she qualifies. If she's not allowed in, then the workshop is just pretending to help and is being hypocritical. Madam Hannah was so upset that she sent me to inform you and Ms. Spencer, Your Grace."

The moment Violet heard that Hannah had been insulted, she couldn't hold herself back.

"I'll go," she said immediately.

Davis often called his wife a "mother tigress", but in truth, Hannah was a reasonable sort. It was difficult to handle someone like Jessica, who was being unreasonable for the sake of it. Now that she had been cast out and her life was in ruins, she was bound to lash out.

Hannah still had to protect the reputation of the workshop, so she couldn't just explode with anger and kick Jessica out. That was why she had been so upset.

Carissa stood up. "I'll go with you."

Violet nodded. "Alright. Let's have Jacob inform Prince Rafael about the situation there. I've already told him, and his people have likely gathered some details."

"Go ahead," Jacob said, nodding in agreement.

The two women, along with the Lloyd family's maid, made their way to Skye Embroidery. The front gate was firmly shut. The maid approached and knocked, announcing their identities. The door opened from the inside.

The main courtyard of Skye Embroidery wasn't large. They didn't usually receive guests, so there were only two rows of chairs and nothing else in the way of decoration.

Carissa stepped forward, her voice steady but sharp as she said, "Your mom? Who is she, exactly? Tell me—how did someone so evil like me ruin your mom's life?"

Violet entered behind Carissa, her tone cold, adding, "I was wondering who it was. My heavens... It's you, Jessica?"

Violet gasped in surprise as she took in the sight of the woman sitting across from Hannah.

Jessica's hair was now streaked with gray at the temples, her eyes framed by deepening wrinkles. She wore a coarse, simple dress. Her hair, once styled with some care, was now loosely gathered and pinned with a plain wooden hairpin. The fuller face she once had now appeared gaunt and hollowed, her high cheekbones jutting out. There was no trace of makeup, and her skin looked dry and sallow.

Carissa was also stunned.

This was Jessica? How could she have fallen so low?