Volume 1 Chapter 153
by Need_More_SleepVolume 1 + Chapter 153: Moving In Next Door
At this thought, Vivian made up her mind to follow Leah’s mother and see what was really going on. She always felt that this mysterious woman carried far too many unresolved secrets, and that those secrets might be closely tied to the changes that had occurred in Leah.
Vivian did not know much about Leah’s mother. She only knew that the woman was of noble birth, possessed a prominent status, and maintained extremely close ties with the imperial royal family. What was even stranger was that in all those past years, she had almost completely vanished from public view, as though she had never appeared before anyone at all.
Yet this very year, she had suddenly emerged, doing many eye-catching things, and completely altering Leah’s fate.
It could be said that the reason Leah had not fallen entirely into ruin was solely because of her mother’s intervention.
But therein lay the problem, the timing of her appearance was far too perfect. It coincided precisely with the moment Long Aotian had intended to make a move against Leah. Such a coincidence was almost too deliberate, even bordering on the unbelievable.
As these thoughts surfaced, a faint sense of speculation arose in Vivian’s heart. That feeling grew even stronger when she recalled Leah’s recent purchase of the small courtyard. Her intuition told her that there must be some hidden truth behind all of this.
Unconsciously, she quickened her pace, held her breath, and quietly followed after them.
Because she was carrying a large box in her arms, far too conspicuous, Vivian worried about drawing attention. She deliberately cast a spell that could weaken her sense of presence. This magic did not render her completely invisible, but it interfered with others’ perception, causing people to subconsciously overlook her even if they brushed past her.
Even if she stood right in front of someone, they would instinctively avert their gaze, as though she were nothing more than part of the air.
Under this cover, Vivian followed behind Eve and Leah all the way to the bustling commercial street. The crowds flowed endlessly here, shops lined both sides of the road, and vendors loudly hawked their wares. The air was filled with the mixed aromas of baked bread, roasted meat, and spices, brimming with a strong sense of everyday life.
What surprised Vivian was that many of the merchants on the street seemed to know Eve, and were even quite familiar with her. Whenever Eve passed by, people warmly greeted her, some even stopping to exchange a few words. It was obvious that she enjoyed an excellent reputation here.
One butcher shop’s proprietress was especially enthusiastic, perhaps a bit too much so.
The moment she saw Eve, a radiant smile bloomed on her face. She opened her arms without hesitation and gave Eve a firm, heartfelt hug.
What made Vivian uncomfortable, however, was her sharp awareness that while embracing Eve, the woman subtly took a deep breath, as if greedily inhaling Eve’s scent.
The sight made Vivian’s scalp prickle, and she could not help muttering to herself: Isn’t this a bit over the top?
Aside from that, Vivian noticed nothing unusual. Eve and Leah’s actions were entirely natural, just like ordinary people shopping for groceries. There was nothing suspicious about them. They selected some fresh vegetables, bought high-quality meat at the butcher’s, then finished their shopping and leisurely headed home with their bags of ingredients.
What truly astonished Vivian was not this mundane errand, but where they lived. She had long heard that Leah’s mother resided in one of the most prosperous areas of the imperial capital. Yet only upon seeing it with her own eyes did she realize what this so-called “prime location” truly meant.
This area’s apartments could be said to be the only officially recognized and preserved high-end residential district in the imperial capital, aside from the palace itself.
Every building here was exquisitely designed, complete with private gardens and terraces, and equipped with comprehensive facilities. Those who lived here were either immensely wealthy or held noble status, indeed, even many powerful figures were not necessarily qualified to reside here.
Property in this district was extraordinarily valuable. The location alone was enough to deter ordinary people. Even affluent merchants or nobles would find it no easy task to purchase an apartment here, money mattered, but status and standing mattered even more.
It was said that Qianzhi, the young lady of the famous Lorraine family, lived in such a place.
Yet now, Vivian discovered that Eve was also a resident here.
This realization stirred complex emotions within her. Just what kind of identity did Eve possess? Why was she able to live in such a place? Was there some deeper secret hidden behind it all?
And what puzzled Vivian the most was a question she could not resolve no matter how hard she tried, since Eve already owned such a luxurious residence, why had she deliberately gone out of her way to purchase that rundown little courtyard?
More importantly, why that courtyard in particular?
Vivian stood beneath the apartment building, watching Eve enter the heavily guarded structure.
Because this was a high-end residential area, outsiders were not permitted to enter freely. Vivian could only stop outside, unable to approach any closer. She frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, then raised her head to study the entire building, attempting to determine Eve’s residence from the lit windows.
Her gaze swept across floor after floor until it finally settled on one, just-lit window that clearly belonged to Eve’s apartment.
However, what caught Vivian by surprise was that to the right of Eve’s apartment was a unit that had clearly been vacant for a long time. In the entire building, that single apartment remained completely dark. Through the windows, she could vaguely make out the outlines of furniture covered in white cloths, unmistakable signs that no one had lived there for quite some time.
This discovery caused a subtle stir in Vivian’s heart. She quickly analyzed the possibilities of this empty unit. A room left unoccupied for so long might very well become the key to her next move…
At this thought, a faint glimmer flashed in her eyes, and a plan quietly took shape in her mind.
If she could live next door to Leah, wouldn’t she be able to observe more details about her mother?
After all, when out in public, one could still put on an act, but at home, in a relaxed state, it was far easier to reveal flaws.
Vivian did not yet dare to be certain, but all the signs seemed to be telling her… that this was indeed possible.
Whether to confirm the truth, or perhaps to mend the regret buried in her heart, Vivian clenched her teeth and decided to take out all of her savings to rent the expensive apartment next to Eve’s, for one month.
Even if this meant that she might not be able to afford food for the rest of the month, she felt it was worth it, just to verify the suspicion in her heart.
Even if it turned out to be nothing more than her own misconception, being able to completely give up on it would still count as an answer for her.
0 Comments