Chapter 4 What Lies in Viviane’s Heart

'Don’t be too hasty, Scarlett. This time, do not trust anyone easily—not even Mia—until I uncover everyone standing behind Levi and Viviane!’

Scarlett studied Mia’s face for a moment, searching for any trace of deceit. She found none. She remembered then that Mia was naturally reserved and quiet. Scarlett began to doubt the judgment she had held in her previous life. Even so, she smiled gently.

“Yes, I am ready, Mia.” She reached out her hand toward the stunned maid.

Mia looked startled before hurriedly taking Scarlett’s hands in her own, her movements marked by an awkwardness that was far too obvious—as if she was entirely unaccustomed to receiving such kindness from her mistress. Her fingers trembled within Scarlett’s grasp.

Scarlett observed her reaction closely. She merely gave a faint smile and walked out of the room alongside Mia. Yet, they had barely taken a few steps down the hallway when Scarlett caught sight of a figure that instantly triggered all her worst memories.

Viviane.

Her half-sister stood there, dressed in a dazzling white gown. Lace, intricate embroidery, and fine jewels adorned her attire, making it look far more lavish and expensive than the dress Scarlett herself was wearing. The ornaments in her hair sparkled conspicuously, outshining Scarlett’s own hairpiece, as if she had deliberately ensured every eye in the room would be drawn to her. Scarlett stopped in her tracks.

She remembered clearly how Viviane had behaved in her past life. Back then, the girl had purposely worn shabby, plain clothes to this exact same ceremony, then used the situation to manipulate others into believing Scarlett was a cruel and heartless older sister. This time, Viviane had chosen a completely different tactic.

“Sister!” Viviane approached, her face lighting up with a flawless, radiant smile.

“You look absolutely beautiful today!” she exclaimed, her eyes shining brightly. “I just know you will find the man you truly love. Today is certainly going to be an unforgettable day!” Her smile suddenly dimmed, turning sorrowful.

“How unfortunate that I am not as lucky as you, Sister.” Viviane lowered her head, letting a look of deep sadness cloud her features.

In the past, Scarlett would have instantly been overcome with guilt upon hearing those words. She would have done everything in her power to comfort Viviane, to do whatever it took to make her younger sister happy and bring her smile back. But now, all Scarlett wanted was to discover what truly lay hidden behind that sweet expression.

Before Scarlett could even reply, a woman’s voice echoed clearly right inside her head.

‘Here we go again. She always tries to play with my lady’s emotions. She is definitely plotting something. But if I stand up for her again, she will have me whipped. The wounds from last time haven’t even healed yet.’

Scarlett froze in place for a heartbeat, then snapped her head sharply toward Mia. The maid stood with her lips pressed tightly together, showing no sign whatsoever that she had just spoken. Scarlett frowned deeply at her, then glanced back at Viviane.

‘It cannot be! I clearly heard Mia’s voice!’

Was she still suffering lingering effects from her death? Or was this part of the miracle that had brought her back to life?

Before she could think any further, another voice pierced through her mind.

‘What is wrong with her? Did she hit her head too hard this morning? Damn it, I shouldn’t have pushed her down so roughly. If I hadn’t, she definitely would have seen me slipping the poison into her tonic. Without that poison, her wolf spirit could never be bound or controlled!’

This time, Scarlett did not need to guess who the voice belonged to.

Viviane.

Scarlett’s expression shifted slowly. Unconsciously, her brows drew together even tighter as she began to think deeply.

Poison? Her wolf spirit bound? What does she mean?

So, it was not just future betrayals she had to guard against. It seemed something malicious had been set in motion even before the selection ceremony had begun.

Scarlett held her breath and looked at Viviane, who was still smiling sweetly, then glanced at Mia, who looked visibly terrified. Countless possibilities raced uncontrollably through her mind.

Had the poison already been given to her? But when?

Would the power of her wolf spirit vanish completely after drinking that tonic?

And if Viviane truly intended to bind her wolf spirit, why would she do it right now, today?

All these questions kept spinning around in Scarlett’s head, and she longed to demand answers from Viviane right then and there. However, she quickly suppressed the urge.

‘No! I cannot do that now!’

If she revealed her suspicions now, Viviane would realize her schemes had been exposed. Viviane was far too clever—she would simply deny everything, hide all evidence, or set yet another trap. Scarlett understood Viviane’s nature perfectly, and she had no intention of giving her such an easy advantage. She raised a hand and massaged her temples, pretending to be in pain.

“Miss!” Mia immediately turned toward her, her face filled with worry.

Viviane’s smile faltered for a moment. “Sister, what is it? Do you not feel well?” Her eyes went wide, feigning panic and concern.

Scarlett could hear the genuine panic behind that soft, gentle voice, but she could not tell if that panic stemmed from genuine worry or from fear that her secret had been discovered.

“Mia, help Sister back to her room at once,” Viviane ordered quickly. “She needs to rest.”

Scarlett bit her lower lip, fighting back a smile. If she hadn’t heard Viviane’s own thoughts, she was certain everyone around them would believe just how caring and devoted Viviane was to her. Yet only moments earlier, Viviane had admitted in her own mind that she had already poisoned Scarlett’s medicine.

“There is no need,” Scarlett replied, lowering her hand and looking straight at Mia.

“I just feel a little dizzy. Mia, please help me to the main hall. Grandfather and the Elders are already waiting.” Scarlett linked her arm through Mia’s thin one.

“But, Sister…”

“I am perfectly fine.” Scarlett interrupted softly, tightening her grip on Mia’s arm and continuing forward without giving Viviane a single chance to argue or object.

From the corner of her eye, she saw her half-sister standing frozen in place.

‘Good. Let her wonder and worry. Yet, one thing continued to trouble her deeply.’

She could hear people’s thoughts—but did this ability only work when someone stood close to her? Could she control it? And most importantly, was this new power somehow connected to the disappearance of her wolf spirit’s strength?

Scarlett did not yet have any answers she could rely on, and for now, she decided to keep everything to herself.

‘Yes. No one must know… not until I catch them red-handed!’