Chapter 4

After speaking with Grandma Willow, I left the mansion and bought a few essentials for the journey.

When I returned, I heard Skylar’s smug voice.

“Careful, careful! These are precious things; if you break them, can you afford to replace them?”

My brows furrowed, and I walked towards the second floor, filled with unease.

Upstairs, in the master bedroom, Skylar stood in the center of the room, directing four of the Harrington servants like she owned the place.

Her hand waved wildly in the air as she loudly instructed:

“That one, that one, and that one… move all of them out; be careful, don’t break Sister’s things!”

The four servants quickly nodded and began moving items out of the master bedroom.

Skylar took advantage of the commotion to survey the room.

Her gaze finally landed on the wardrobe. She turned to peek at the busy servants, then, when no one was looking, quietly opened the closet.

She pulled a small yarn doll from her pocket and swiftly tucked it among the clothes inside the wardrobe.

Just as she was about to close the closet, she looked up and saw the raven, covered by a black cloth, on the top shelf.

Skylar couldn’t help but voice her confusion:

“What is this?”

Curiosity compelled her to reach out and pull the cage down. Just as she was about to lift the black cloth, I arrived.

“Don’t touch it!”

I yelled sharply.

Instantly, everyone froze, turning to look at me in confusion.

I rushed into the master bedroom, quickly snatching the cage from Skylar’s hands.

Skylar was startled and stumbled back a few steps.

Holding the cage, I let out a sigh of relief. Then, I turned to scan the bewildered faces, demanding:

“What are you all doing?”

The servants’ gazes unanimously shifted to Skylar.

Skylar’s eyes fell upon the cage in my hands, a meaningful glint in them. She then lifted her head, flashed a sweet smile, and, touching her belly, said:

“Sister, the Tarot Master said the child I’m carrying will bring good fortune. If I can live in a room facing east to carry the baby, my luck will surely grow, and I’ll give birth to a truly distinguished child.”

I had no patience for her ridiculous claims, so I coldly asked:

“And so?”

“So I want Skylar to stay in the master bedroom for now.”

Julian’s voice came from the doorway.

He entered the room, carrying a fruit platter.

As soon as Skylar saw Julian, she rushed to him, sweetly calling out:

“Julian.”

I looked at Julian in disbelief, asking:

“Julian, what did you say?”

Julian handed the fruit platter to Skylar, gently saying:

“Skylar, these are the grapes you wanted; I’ve washed them for you!”

Only then did he look up at me, offering a perfunctory consolation:

“Elara, I’m doing this for the sake of the child. I’m sure you understand. For now, it will be a slight inconvenience for you to stay in the guest room!”

I couldn’t believe these words came from the husband with whom my life was intertwined.

Skylar, seeing this, seemed emboldened and immediately ordered the servants:

“Julian has spoken, what are you waiting for? Hurry and move Sister’s things out!”

The servants, hearing this, prepared to move my belongings again.

I snarled: “Anyone who dares to touch anything in my room will be thrown out of the Harrington mansion immediately!”

The servants instantly froze, hesitant and torn.

Skylar, feigning fear, retreated a few steps.

Julian frowned, about to admonish me:

“Elara…”

My gaze swept sharply between Julian and Skylar, cutting off Julian’s words as I slowly advanced on them:

“I don’t care where you choose to stay, and I’m too tired to care. But my room is not for outsiders to trespass in. Get out!”

Skylar flinched, a wave of fear washing over her as she saw my cold expression and unwavering approach.