Liora chiretta itself was harmless. In fact, it was a perfectly fine cooling medicinal herb. 

However, the problem was that this batch had been soaked in cinnabar solution. It was only a matter of time before it killed Sierra.

No wonder Yvonne hadn't noticed a thing. Anyone who wasn't well-versed in medicine would never catch it.

Amelia immediately took out all of the liora chiretta and prepared to bury it on the spot. She was just about to cover the pit with soil when she suddenly heard a rustle from the wall beside her. 

"Who's there?" Startled, she jumped before stepping on the small pit to hide the cinnabar-laced liora chiretta beneath her feet.

In the blink of an eye, a tall man vaulted over the wall. The moment she saw his back, she recognized him. It was the lunatic from the cruise ship, the one who'd dug the bullet out of his own body.

Just then, the man gradually turned ar

Amelia had just breathed a sigh of relief when Jayden abruptly stopped in his tracks and spun around. "Little mouse." 

"What now?" she fumed.

"That thing." He tilted his chin toward the small pit at her feet and asked, "Do you need me to take care of it for you?"

Her heart lurched. She couldn't believe he'd noticed. Amelia hurriedly planted her other foot over it, but under his watchful gaze, her action only made it look as if she was trying to hide something. 

She didn't know why she trusted him in that moment, but she nodded, gritting her teeth. "Yes, please. Help me get rid of it."

Right after saying that, she crouched down, scooped up the dirt-stained liora chiretta, and stuffed it straight into the pocket of his coat. Dusting off her palms, she said, "There. You may leave now!" 

Jayden, who was a germaphobe, was dumbstruck. Amelia, on the other hand, didn't sense anything wron

Diana sneered inwardly as she watched Amelia wolf down her dinner. 

The Brooks family was the epitome of wealth and power, their influence stretching worldwide. Their smallest action could cause upheaval across Haurtland. 

Amelia would never catch the Brookses' eyes. Only Winter was worthy of marrying into their family.

Despite her inner thoughts, Diana said, "Alright. Once we arrive at the Brooks residence, I'll take good care of Mia and introduce her to some of the socialites in Shelwick." 

Sierra glanced at Diana coldly, her expression unreadable as she asked, "Would you really do that?"

The smile on Diana's face stiffened. "Of course! Mia is also my daughter. What mother wouldn't want the best for her daughter?"

Winter chimed in, "Grandma, since Mom refuses to speak up for herself, I feel I have to! I've already looked into the matter about the coat. It was recently sent out for alteration, and the tailor had accidentally left those needles inside, which led to that outrageous incident."

"Winnie! Don't say another word!" Diana deliberately chided her. However, she sneaked a glance at Sierra's expression. 

Right after saying that, Winter lifted her gaze to look at Sierra. Sure enough, the latter's expression had noticeably softened. 

Sierra didn't care much for Diana, but she was good to Winter. Seeing how Winter spoke up for Diana and the latter tried to stop her, Sierra was certain that Winter was telling the truth.

Ultimately, she let out a sigh. "Since it was just a misunderstanding, let's leave it at that. Mia, don't hold it against your mother. We're family, and family doesn't keep score." 

Amelia felt indignant. Despite that, she plastered a sweet smile on her face.

She still had plenty of time; everything could be done in due course. She could afford to bide her time.

"I understand, Grandma. No matter what happens, I won't blame my family."

"That's good to hear. Here, eat up! Look at how thin you are." Sierra personally placed food on Amelia's plate. Amelia smiled as if she enjoyed it, though it all tasted like sawdust to her.

…

After dinner, Diana wasted no time in dragging Winter upstairs.

Winter, who still hadn't eaten her fill, grumbled, "What's wrong, Mom? I haven't even finished my food yet!"

"You fool, all you think about is food! Do you have any idea why Sierra's taking Amelia to the Brooks residence?"

Winter was puzzled. "Why else? Isn't she just planning to introduce her to Shelwick's high society?"

Diana took a deep breath and explained, "You don't know this… but when Margaret was alive, she promised Amelia to the Brooks family's second son, Tobias."

After hearing that, Winter frowned in jealousy. "Even I'm not worthy of marrying into the Brooks family. What makes Amelia think she can? Mom, you're not really going to help her marry up, are you?"

"You blockhead!" Diana chided, frustrated. "Think about it. Even you know the Brookses are above your station. So what chance does Amelia have?"

"You're right… With that hideous face of hers, the proud and picky lady of the Brooks family would never let her marry into their family. What's your plan then?" 

Diana narrowed her eyes. "When the time comes, we'll bring up their engagement in front of everyone. The Brookses and the rest of the guests will undoubtedly think Amelia is just eyeing something she could never hope to have! 

"You, on the other hand, need to be on your best behavior, so everyone can see that you and Amelia are worlds apart. As for the rest of my plan, I'll tell you then."

Winter finally understood Diana's scheme and scoffed. "In that case, tomorrow, everyone will see Amelia as a shallow fool who only thinks about marrying up!"

"Exactly. And when the time is right, I'll suggest you take Amelia's place. Now, between you and that eyesore Amelia, who do you think Mrs. Brooks will choose?" 

Of course she would choose her! Winter's heart raced. She was going to marry into the Brooks family. 

Even if Tobias was a cripple, he was still far better than most heirs of other wealthy families. After all, he was a Brooks. 

…

In the blink of an eye, night fell and the sky turned completely dark. 

Amelia found out that Sierra took her medication three times a day, with the last dose before bed. She deliberately waited in the kitchen until she saw Yvonne walk in to prepare Sierra's medicine. 

"Yvonne." Amelia smiled sweetly. "You must be exhausted. Why don't you let me take care of Grandma's medicine from now on? She treats me so well; I want to do something for her too." 

Yvonne nodded in relief and handed her the herbs. "That's very thoughtful of you. Go on then. Once you put the herbs in the pot, add two bowls of water and simmer for half an hour," she explained. 

"I will, Yvonne." Amelia took the herbs and left. Once she was sure that no one was watching, she veered off toward the deserted back garden. Hidden among the flowers and shrubs, she unwrapped the packet of herbs.

Amelia sifted through it and eventually pulled out a piece of liora chiretta, lifting it to her nose to sniff. In a heartbeat, her expression changed drastically. 

Liora chiretta itself was harmless. In fact, it was a perfectly fine cooling medicinal herb. 

However, the problem was that this batch had been soaked in cinnabar solution. It was only a matter of time before it killed Sierra.

No wonder Yvonne hadn't noticed a thing. Anyone who wasn't well-versed in medicine would never catch it.

Amelia immediately took out all of the liora chiretta and prepared to bury it on the spot. She was just about to cover the pit with soil when she suddenly heard a rustle from the wall beside her. 

"Who's there?" Startled, she jumped before stepping on the small pit to hide the cinnabar-laced liora chiretta beneath her feet.

In the blink of an eye, a tall man vaulted over the wall. The moment she saw his back, she recognized him. It was the lunatic from the cruise ship, the one who'd dug the bullet out of his own body.

Just then, the man gradually turned around. This time, she could finally see his face under the moonlight.

He was strikingly handsome, wi

Chapter 8