Chapter 86

My instinct told me to decline the invitation, to avoid being alone with her, but I knew that avoiding her wouldn't make her schemes go away. Besides, I wanted to face her head-on and show her that I wouldn't be intimidated.

"Sure, why not?" I said, matching her smile with one of my own. "A morning stroll sounds lovely."

As we walked towards the garden, I could feel the tension in the air. The silence between us was heavy. I knew that Aunt Violet had an agenda, and I braced myself for whatever she was planning to say or do.

Once we reached the garden, the beauty of the flowers and the tranquil surroundings were a stark contrast to the turmoil within me. Aunt Violet seemed to enjoy the picturesque scenery.

"You know, Scarlett ," she began, her tone casual yet laced with an underlying meaning, "family is important, don't you think?"

"Yes, family is indeed important," I replied calmly. "