I stood frozen in horror, watching them standing there, giggling together.
Snapping back to my senses, I forced myself to breathe. "No, it's alright. Calm down… no problem," I whispered under my breath.
I stood up and walked toward them for a formal greeting, interrupting their lighthearted moment.
"Apologies for the interruption, Sir and Ma'am."
The woman turned to me, her brows furrowed in mild confusion as her eyes scanned my professional attire.
"Yes? Um… are you the new secretary here?" she asked, her tone edged with curiosity.
"Yes, Madame. It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Caroline Garnier, assistant to your son, Mr. David Charlotte, here at Velvéra. Welcome."
"Ah… nice to meet you too, Miss Garnier." Her expression softened into a warm, practiced smile.
"Thank you, Madame. If there's anything you need while you're here, please don't hesitate to let me know," I said, forcing my voice to remain steady though sweat trickled down my forehead.
"Thank you, Miss Garnier. Tell me, how is your work going? Is it very demanding?" she asked kindly.
"It's going very well, thank you for asking, Madame. It's certainly busy at times, but I feel very fortunate to work here and support Mr. David Charlotte."
— Lie!
"That's lovely to hear. I'm glad my son has good people around him."
— False!
"Thank you, Madame. That's very kind of you to say."
She smiled with her eyes closed, an expression I recognized all too well.
"Mom, I have an urgent meeting with my team," David suddenly interjected.
Then, turning to me, he said, "Ms. Garnier, stay here and keep my mother company. There's no need to come with me—I can handle things."
"Uh? Yes!" I nodded stiffly.
He left.
Mrs. Charlotte's gaze shifted back to me. "Let's have a conversation, Miss Garnier."
"Yes." I obeyed, suppressing the churning anxiety in my chest.
We moved to the settee and sat across from each other. I clenched my hands tightly on my lap.
This… woman. The same one who used to watch as her family tormented me in Italy. Her son and even my father enjoyed seeing me humiliated. I was mentally and physically harassed by them—bullied before the bourgeoisie society. It was their cruelty that forced me to leave that house.
And now… here she sat, smiling at me.
"You seem very young to be working in such an important position. Did you always dream of this kind of work?" she asked with polite curiosity.
"Yes, Madame. I always dreamed of working in a professional environment. I feel very fortunate to have this opportunity."
— Another lie!
"That's admirable. Hard work always pays off."
— False! I didn't earn this. I infiltrated this world because of necessity, not merit. And now, I'm suffocating from the memories her family burned into me.
"So, what's your vision for our company's future, dear?" she asked smoothly.
"I will continue assisting Mr. David Charlotte and help expand the company's name," I said flatly. Should I mention the Franz property in India now?
"Oh, that's wonderful!" she exclaimed.
"Yes. Sir David and I have planned to take over a large land property owned by Franz Stedelen, heir presumptive of YAYA Company, in India."
"Oh my! You mean that prisoner? And how do you plan to achieve this, Miss Garnier?"
"Well, Madame Charlotte… I've already booked the flight tickets. The only thing left is to arrange a hotel. Everything else, I'll handle myself."
"Hoping for a great future then. I envy your parents—I wish I had a daughter like you: beautiful, elegant, and sharp. Do you have any siblings?"
"N-no, Madame. I'm actually an orphan. No brother, no sister."
— False! That's what David believes about Caroline Garnier.
She came to her gossip manner, "Oh dear… well, I used to have a stepdaughter. She was ugly and foolish. Her biological mother never taught her proper manners. Even though we gave her a peaceful life, she left. I feel so much better now without her. My sons are far superior to her. Who knows where she's rotting now?"
Her words twisted my stomach into knots.
How dare she talk like this? The characterless witch!
I gripped my hands tightly, struggling to keep my expression neutral. "I can understand. It must have been difficult for you," I said calmly, though my inner voice screamed with rage.
"Yes, it was a hard time. She always shamed us in front of everyone. But I hope you'll continue supporting our group, right?"
"Yes, Madame Charlotte. Don't worry."
After some more superficial conversation, she finally left.
My fists gripped.
Later that evening…
As I walked home, shadows flickered around me. The eerie emptiness of the street sent chills down my spine.
Far away, black-clad figures stood silently atop roofs and lampposts, their gazes fixed on me.
Black Vane members…
I sighed. So they've started their surveillance. Damn it!
When I reached home, I locked the door and headed straight for my bedroom. Drawing the curtains and shutting the windows tightly, I tried to shake off the unease.
Then—
TSSHHhhhhh—plink, plink, plink…
My heart jumped.
I spun around and saw shattered glass scattered across the floor.
Rushing to the window, I noticed a gaping hole in the pane and torn wood. A black-shoed foot was retreating up the roof.
I flung open the window and looked up.
A black-clad figure suddenly leapt down onto the windowsill, his face inches from mine. I recoiled in shock.
The figure pulled off his sunglasses.
"Hey, sister. Don't close the window… or we might miss important details to report to Sexy Night," he said with a smirk.
White hair. Red eyes. Long white eyelashes. Familiar.
"Vi-Virell?! You?!" I gasped.
"Yep!" He grinned boyishly, striking a playful duck-like pose as he adjusted his black gloves.
He stepped into the room, forcing me to back away until my shoulders hit the wall.
He slammed one hand against the wall beside my head and leaned close.
"Why were you closing the window, Ariadne Oak?" he whispered, his red eyes glinting.
My throat went dry. Heat flushed across my cheeks.
His gloved finger tilted my chin upward. "Answer me, sister."
SLAP!
I smacked him hard across the face.
"Can you explain what 'important things' you'd get by barging in here while I'm trying to change clothes, Virell?" I asked, my voice flat.
He blinked. "Oops. Sorry. Carry on."
Opening the door, he added, "I'll wait outside. Let me know when you're done."
As he left, I peeked outside to see more black-clad figures scattered across rooftops and telephone poles, their watchful eyes following me.
Turning back, I snapped at him. "You broke my window! And if I change clothes now, those men outside can see me."
"So?" he replied coldly.
"So, can't you tell them to turn away for a while?"
"Damn it… why did I bring only men with me? Regretfully, I have no female agent to stand guard here. Ugh!"
He waved his hand in a sharp gesture. "Move back!"
The watchers obeyed instantly, retreating into bushes and alleys.
"Better." I muttered.
As I went to close the door, he appeared again, his face startlingly close.
I glared. "What now?"
"If you make any move against us…" He sliced his finger across his throat in warning.
My breath hitched. Sweat pricked at my brow.
Then he laughed, not mocking but almost gentle. "I'm in the hall of your palatial mansion. Call me when you're ready."
He left.
I changed quickly and called Father.
"They're watching you," he whispered.
"They were. I have a little time—they've pulled back."
"Alright. What's the update?"
"I've booked flights to India and hotel rooms. After three days, we leave. We'll stay there for one or two months."
"And if the Vane members question your absence?"
"Tell them I went to India with David Charlotte for business."
"Understood. Stay sharp. Bye."
"Bye."
I stepped out into the hall.
"Virell!" I called.
He looked up from his phone, his crimson eyes glittering.
I walked past him silently, annoyed.
He followed me into my room, kicking off his shoes and lounging on my bed as though he owned the place.
"What do you want, Virell?" I asked flatly, hanging up my office uniform.
"Just one question." His voice darkened, the playfulness fading.
"Do you know why Northern Dark let you live here alone, while Nancy stays with a nanny elsewhere?"
I froze, staring at him.
"It's for our safety… to protect us from undercover agents of other factions. Even Crimson Night."
He smirked. "I knew you'd say that. But you're wrong, dear sister."
His grin twisted into something darker.
"Ughr…"