Chapter 29: The Unraveling Threads

The first rays of dawn stretched across the Bai estate, casting a soft golden glow that did little to ease Bai Yue's fraying nerves. She sat at her desk, the vial of dark liquid resting in her palm, its ominous shimmer reflecting the light. Every instinct in her screamed that this substance was dangerous—perhaps more dangerous than she had initially realized.

Weishan stood by the window, arms crossed as he watched the courtyard below. "You should get some rest," he said, his voice low but firm. "You won't solve anything if you collapse from exhaustion."

Bai Yue ignored him, staring intently at the vial. "This could be a poison," she murmured, half to herself. "But why would the second mistress be dealing in poisons? She wouldn't risk exposure unless…"

Weishan's gaze flicked to her, his dark eyes unreadable. "Unless it serves a greater purpose."

Bai Yue set the vial down carefully, rubbing her temples. "This is bigger than just the Bai estate. If this substance reaches the Imperial Court…"

Weishan stepped closer, his presence grounding her. "Then we stop it before that happens."

Bai Yue exhaled shakily, her mind racing through possibilities. "We need an expert, someone who can analyze this properly. I can't identify everything with what I have here."

Weishan studied her for a moment before nodding. "I know someone. Discreet, skilled, and not easily bought."

Bai Yue raised a brow. "And can they be trusted?"

A ghost of a smile crossed his lips. "I trust them enough. That's all you need to know."

Bai Yue bit back a retort, knowing better than to push Weishan too far when it came to his secrets. "Fine. How soon can we meet them?"

"Tonight," Weishan said without hesitation. "But you should be careful in the meantime. Bai Rong is already suspicious."

Bai Yue sighed. "She's always suspicious. It's only a matter of time before she tries to trap me."

Weishan's expression darkened. "If she does, I'll handle it."

Bai Yue met his gaze, feeling the weight of his words. "I don't need you to fight my battles, Weishan."

His smirk returned, though it lacked its usual arrogance. "I know. But that doesn't mean I won't."

Before Bai Yue could respond, a knock on the door startled them both.

Weishan vanished into the shadows of the room, blending seamlessly with the dim lighting as Bai Yue composed herself and opened the door.

Ah-Liang stood outside, his eyes wide with nervous energy. "Miss Bai Yue, the first mistress requests your presence immediately."

Bai Yue's stomach clenched. "Did she say why?"

Ah-Liang shook his head. "No, but… she didn't look pleased."

Bai Yue exchanged a glance with Weishan, who remained hidden from view. He nodded subtly, and she sighed, squaring her shoulders. "I'll be there."

As Ah-Liang scurried away, Bai Yue turned back to Weishan. "Stay here. If something goes wrong—"

"I'll find you," he said smoothly, his eyes glinting with a promise she wasn't sure she wanted to rely on.

The first mistress's chambers were as cold and imposing as ever, the scent of sandalwood incense thick in the air. Bai Yue knelt gracefully before Bai Jiaying, maintaining the respectful composure expected of her.

"You called for me, first mistress?"

Bai Jiaying's sharp eyes assessed her with scrutiny before she finally spoke. "There are… troubling rumors circulating, Bai Yue. Rumors that you have been seen wandering in places you do not belong."

Bai Yue kept her gaze lowered. "I only tend to my duties, mistress."

The first mistress's lips curled into something resembling a smile, but there was no warmth in it. "Is that so? Then tell me why Bai Rong insists that you have been sneaking around the west wing."

Bai Yue's heart skipped a beat, but she kept her expression neutral. "I cannot speak for my cousin's imagination."

Bai Jiaying's gaze narrowed. "Do not take me for a fool, girl. You may have been overlooked for years, but I see you now. Whatever it is you are doing, I suggest you cease before you find yourself in a situation you cannot escape."

Bai Yue swallowed the lump in her throat. "I understand, first mistress."

Jiaying leaned back in her chair, studying her for a moment longer. "Good. You may go."

Bai Yue bowed deeply and left, feeling the weight of suspicion following her every step.

As soon as Bai Yue returned to her quarters, Weishan emerged from his hiding place, his expression grim. "That was close."

Bai Yue let out a shaky breath, sinking onto a nearby stool. "Too close."

Weishan leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "Bai Rong won't stop until she has something concrete against you."

Bai Yue nodded, her mind already working through possible solutions. "Then I have to find something against her first."

Weishan smirked. "I like the way you think."

Bai Yue rolled her eyes. "Of course you do."

Weishan pushed off the wall, his gaze serious once more. "Tonight, we'll meet my contact. But after that, we have to be careful. The second mistress isn't the only one we need to watch."

Bai Yue nodded. "I know."

Despite the uncertainty ahead, Bai Yue felt a spark of resolve burning within her. She wasn't just going to survive in the Bai estate—she was going to uncover its deepest secrets and, if necessary, bring it to its knees.

And Weishan, with his relentless protectiveness and sharp eyes, would be right beside her.

For better or for worse.