The last time, as soon as their grandfather died, Serena had taken Isabella and immediately sided with the second branch. Even back then, she had suspected that Serena had already allied herself with the second branch of the family. Now, it seemed her guess was correct.
Last night, when she framed Bianca, only their grandfather, Dorian, and Cedric were present. Yet Serena's probing questions made it seem like she knew about Vivienne insulting Dorian. How could she have known?
Vivienne tapped her forehead. She had really underestimated Serena. To think that by her third year in the estate, she had already forged a connection with the second branch. It looked like Serena's betrayal last time wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision but a long-planned move.
But why choose the day of their grandfather's funeral?
***
After leaving Vivienne's room, Serena headed to a small courtyard on the opposite side of the building. To ensure Isabella wasn't slighted, she had specifically arranged for a courtyard room on the first floor, which had a view of a sea of flowers. While it couldn't compare to the exquisite beauty of Whitestone Lodge, it was still a dream cottage.
"Mom."
Isabella had changed into a pink princess dress with puffed sleeves, her hair tied up in playful buns. She resembled Serena, with a look that was both pure and sweet. The cute outfit made her look like a delicate doll.
Serena's eyes lit up with approval. "Mm, very nice. Did you remember everything I told you last night?"
Isabella nodded shyly. "I remember."
The two waited downstairs for a while, but Vivienne didn't appear. Growing annoyed, Serena raised her voice and shouted across the courtyard, "Vivienne, hurry up! If we're late, you'll make your grandfather angry."
Her sudden shout startled several of the housekeepers working in the courtyard.
As if on cue, just as the housekeeper was about to head upstairs, the door to Whitestone Lodge opened, and Vivienne stepped out.
"You!" Isabella stared in astonishment at Vivienne. "Why are you dressed like that?"
Vivienne looked down at herself. Like what?
A white dress with a daisy pattern, playful pigtails, little black patent leather shoes, and a plush wolf cub clutched in her arms. Wasn't this outfit girly enough?
...

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