Marguerite was flabbergasted, unable to comprehend how the tide of blame had suddenly turned to crash over her head. In her view, Yuna's accusations were baseless! Yet, infuriatingly, Yuna's wild guess had found favor with most of the people present.

Several clueless servants started gossiping anew.

"Holy smokes! Did Ms. Marguerite poison Manley?"

"It has to be her! There's no other explanation! Manley's inner circle is small, and Ms. Marguerite had the motive!"

"I bet Ms. Marguerite didn't just poison him; she must have hurt him too!"

"And how! Explain to me how a three-year-old kid, even in a delirium, could get such severe injuries from just bumping into things!"

The chatter penetrated Marguerite's ears, leaving her feeling both helpless and frustrated.

That's how rumors spread like wildfire. One person starts the tale, and by the time it's been passed around, the story has morphed beyond recognition.

So, in their eyes, she had become the wicked witch.

Yuna, quite pleased with the situation, was careful not to show it too openly. She had to maintain the image of the victim!

So, with teary eyes, she looked at Marguerite, then turned her pitiful gaze to Frederick, and asked with a quivering voice, "Freddie, can't you see the truth yet?"

Frederick's eyes were ice as he locked his gaze on her and countered, "You expect me to trust a web of lies?"

Yuna was taken aback, her insides churning with discomfort. But she quickly regrouped, her voice whiny and desperate, "Freddie, you think I lied, fine, I'll own it. But the crowd sees clearly! Didn't you hear their discussion?

They're saying Marguerite poisoned Manley and even hit him! My heart aches as a mother; how could I bear this?"

Seeing Frederick unmoved, Yuna hurriedly ran to Hackett, tears streaming down her face, "Dad! You have to help me! Manley is your dear grandson; can you bear to see him treated like this?"

By then, Hackett had sobered up completely. He took Yuna's hand and was about to approach Frederick when Robert stepped in their way, blocking their path.

Hackett, red with anger, bellowed, "Move!"

Robert stood firm and directly challenged Yuna, "You're so sure Marguerite is to blame, where's your proof?"

Yuna was dumbfounded. Her entire scheme was aimed at smearing Marguerite to clear her own name! Proof? She had no proof!

And then, she heard Frederick's commanding voice, cold as the Arctic chill, "If today's events hadn't unfolded, I never would have realized the Winston family harbored such a rabble!" Frederick's voice wasn't loud, but it held enough authority to silence everyone.

Chuck, seizing the moment, followed Frederick's lead, "Everyone who accused Marguerite, present your solid evidence now! If you can't, you will be in trouble!"

Suddenly, the room fell into a silence as grave as death.

If Yuna had no evidence, how could those blindly following her confabulations have any? Heads hung low, nobody dared to utter a word, all awaiting Frederick's judgment.

On the sidelines, Sadie was finally coming to her senses.

She was responsible for the children's milk, and the discovery of poison in Manley's cup was on her watch. She hadn't anticipated her oversight would cause such trouble for Marguerite.

She hurriedly interjected, "Mr. Winston, I can assure you, this has nothing to do with our young mistress... oh, I mean Ms. Marguerite. I was present every time the milk was prepared, never leaving it unattended. During these times, Ms. Marguerite was either working late at the office or in her room, never near the kitchen. However..."

Sadie paused as a memory surfaced - someone had come close to the kitchen two days ago.

Pondering, she then cast her gaze upon Yuna and began slowly, "Ms. Yuna visited the dining hall two days ago."

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