Kayla would be Lady Lawson if Felicia didn't exist. Similarly, Noah's family would have inherited the Walsh estate.

Kayla and Talia decided to join forces, sharing a common goal. Talia asked, "You seem to have a plan. What is it?"

"It's simple: make her disappear," Kayla replied, her sweet smile belying the chilling words. "There's a colorless, tasteless, lethal poison in Grandpa's pharmacy. Talia, get it for me, and I'll handle the rest."

Talia hesitated, then chuckled. "Grandpa never lets anyone near his pharmacy or library. I wouldn't even know what the poison looks like."

"I can create an opportunity for you to search for it," Kayla retorted, exasperated. "I can't do everything myself! Why would I need your help then?"

Cooperation meant shared risk. Neither could bear the consequences alone. Talia glanced at a slender figure washing clothes nearby. She smiled. "Don't worry, Kayla. I'll find you help. You won't have to go, and neither will I. She can do it." If things went wrong, they would be unaffected.

Kayla froze, realizing who Talia meant. "Roberta?"

Talia hummed in agreement.

Kayla pressed, "But will she obey? What if she refuses and tells everything?"

"She won't. She's my follower, and she does as I say. Or else..." Talia laughed, her pride evident. "She's that woman's daughter, just as despicable."

Kayla sensed something. "Talia, do you have something on Roberta that compels her obedience?"

"Yes, want to see it? I'll send you a copy." Talia's delighted laughter suggested she wanted the world to share her triumph.

A thirty-second video arrived on Kayla's phone. Her eyes widened. "This..."

Talia chuckled smugly. "The full video is two hours long. This is just a clip. Now, do you believe I'm sincere?"

Kayla laughed. "If so, here's to a successful partnership."

After hanging up, Talia swaggered towards Roberta. Roberta was washing clothes under the scorching sun, including Talia's heavy silk robe and wool coats. She was struggling to wring out the water when Talia's dark, menacing face appeared, making her jump. The heavy coat slipped, splashing water on Talia's dress.

Talia slapped her. "You did that on purpose, didn't you!"

"No, no, I didn't! I'm sorry," Roberta stammered, desperately trying to wipe the water, making it worse. Talia kicked her aside.

Roberta trembled. Instead of her usual pinching or slapping, Talia bent down. "Roberta, how's your mother doing in the sanatorium? Do you want to see her?"

Roberta's head shot up, tears welling. She dropped to her knees, banging her head against the ground. "Mrs. Walsh, I'll behave! I swear! Don't hurt my mother, please… I beg you."