Twists and Turns: Breaking the Routine

Vivian held the mysterious note in her hand, her heart pounding as she tried to decipher its cryptic message.

Before she could even start to piece together the clues, the door to her room swung open, and in walked Lisa. Her eyes were narrowed, and her smile was forced.

"Vivian, what's going on? Are you up to something?" Lisa's voice was sharp; the usual warmth in her tone replaced by a cold, accusing edge.

Vivian's eyes widened in surprise. Lisa, her closest friend—or so she thought—had always been the one to confide in, to share secrets with. Now, her words cut through the air like a knife.

"Lisa, what are you talking about?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

"Don't play dumb with me," Lisa shot back, her eyes flashing with suspicion. "I know you've changed. I can see it. What are you hiding?"

Vivian's mind raced. How much did Lisa know? Could she have somehow discovered her secret? Her heart thudded in her chest, but she forced a smile.

"I don't know what you're talking about. We're still the same, aren't we?"

Lisa's expression softened for a moment, but then her eyes hardened again.

"I'm not joking, Vivian. I know something's different. You're not the same person I used to know."

Vivian's nerves were on edge. She needed to keep Lisa off balance, to make her doubt her own suspicions.

"Oh, come on, Lisa. You're being paranoid. Maybe I just had a change of heart. Is that so bad?"

Lisa's eyes flickered with a mix of confusion and anger.

"A change of heart? You've always been so... so... superficial. Now you're acting like you care about something more. It doesn't add up."

Just as Vivian was about to respond, Lisa's lips curved into a wicked smile.

"But hey, I'm just kidding. You know me, always joking around. Right?"

Vivian's heart skipped a beat. Was this really a joke, or was Lisa testing her? She couldn't afford to let her guard down.

"Right, Lisa. You always know how to lighten the mood."

Lisa's smile faltered, and for a moment, Vivian saw a glimmer of uncertainty in her eyes. But then Lisa's expression hardened again, and she turned on her heel, walking away without another word.

Vivian let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. Lisa's behavior was more than just a joke—it was a warning. She needed to be more careful, to watch her every step.

Determined to find a way to access the secret study, Vivian decided to start with the layout of the villa. She wandered through the grand hall, pretending to admire the ornate chandeliers and the exquisite paintings that lined the walls. Her eyes scanned the room, taking in every detail, every potential hiding place.

As she turned a corner, she nearly bumped into Zhuang Yu, the imposing figure of the mansion's bodyguard. His eyes met hers, and for a moment, she felt a strange jolt of recognition, a connection that went beyond the present. His gaze was intense, almost as if he could see through her facade.

"Looking for something, Miss Vivian?" he asked, his voice low and steady.

Vivian's heart raced. She couldn't let him see her panic.

"Just exploring," she replied, forcing a casual tone. "This place is so... interesting."

Zhuang Yu's eyes narrowed slightly, and for a moment, she thought he might press her further. But then he stepped aside, allowing her to pass.

"Be careful where you step," he warned, his voice carrying a subtle threat.

Vivian nodded, her mind racing. She needed to find the map, and she needed to do it without arousing suspicion. She slipped into a small room, hoping to find a clue.

The room was dimly lit; the only light coming from a single, flickering lamp on a nearby table. She moved quietly, her heart pounding in her chest.

Just as she was about to search a drawer, the door creaked open, and Mr. Thompson stepped in. His eyes were cold and calculating.

Vivian's breath caught in her throat. She had been caught.

"Miss Vivian, what are you doing in here?" he asked, his voice low and menacing.

Vivian forced a smile, trying to play it off.

"Just looking for a book, Mr. Thompson. I heard this room has a great collection."

Mr. Thompson's eyes narrowed.

"This room is off - limits, Miss Vivian. I suggest you stay out of places you don't belong."

Vivian's heart raced, but she nodded, her mind racing.

"Of course, Mr. Thompson. I won't do it again."

Mr. Thompson's gaze lingered on her for a moment longer before he turned and left the room.

Vivian let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. She needed to be more careful, but she was determined to find what she was looking for.

As she turned to leave, her hand brushed against a small, hidden compartment in the wall. Her fingers closed around a small, leather - bound book. Her heart skipped a beat as she realized what she had found. She quickly tucked the book into her pocket, her mind racing with possibilities.

She slipped out of the room, her heart pounding with excitement and fear. The clock was ticking, and she was running out of time. But she had a new lead, and she was determined to follow it.

The crystal chandelier above Vivian felt like a malevolent eye, watching. Ninety days. The clock was ticking.

Last night's charade with Lisa had been a bust. The "girls' night in" was nothing more than a poorly - acted performance, designed to keep her away from Mr. Thompson's study. Damn her fake concern.

Vivian swirled the champagne in her glass; the bubbles doing little to soothe the burning frustration in her chest. Ms. Jenkins watched her from across the room, a viperous smile playing on her lips. She knows. They all knew something was different. This wasn't the Vivian they were used to – the shallow, easily - manipulated gold digger. This Vivian had a plan.

Tom, the stoic butler, glided past, his face an impassive mask.

"More champagne, Ms. Vivian?"

"Please, Tom," she purred, handing him the glass. He's a key. He sees everything. "Tell me, Tom, how long have you been with the Thompson family?"

His eyes flickered, a micro - expression that didn't escape her notice.

"Many years, Ms. Vivian. I am loyal to the family."

Loyal, or afraid? She smiled sweetly.

"Of course. Loyalty is a rare and valuable trait these days." She let the words hang in the air, a subtle probe.

He remained unmoved.

Later, as Vivian pretended to admire the grotesque floral arrangement in the foyer, she saw him – Zhuang Yu. He leaned against a marble pillar, his gaze intense, unwavering. He was more than just a bodyguard; she could feel it. There was a depth in his eyes, a knowing that unsettled her. He's watching me. But why?

Their eyes met, and a jolt of something unfamiliar shot through her. A memory, not hers, flickered at the edge of her consciousness – fire, screams, a desperate embrace. Gone as quickly as it came.

"Ms. Vivian," Zhuang Yu said, his voice a low rumble. "Mr. Thompson requests your presence in the study."

Finally.

As she walked towards the forbidden room, Vivian could feel Mr. Thompson's gaze boring into her back. He was waiting for her, like a spider in its web.

The study door loomed, a dark oak portal to the secrets she desperately needed to uncover. She took a deep breath and pushed it open.

Mr. Thompson sat behind his massive desk, the firelight casting long, menacing shadows across his face.

"Vivian," he said, his voice like gravel. "I have a proposition for you."

Before she could respond, a sharp pain exploded in her head. The room spun. She stumbled, reaching for something to hold onto, but there was nothing. Poisoned? Drugged?

The last thing she saw before darkness consumed her was Mr. Thompson's cruel smile. And the clock was ticking.