Time elapsed. The weekend arrived swiftly. Felicia received an early morning call from Clive, inviting her to breakfast. Before she could respond, Charlie arrived at the school gate to collect her.
Despite Felicia’s previous attempts to refuse Clive’s persistent efforts to groom her as his heir, he remained unconvinced. She had no interest in vying with the Walsh family’s descendants for their fortune; she desired only their century-old medical and herbal knowledge. After hanging up, she calmly prepared herself and left campus, entering the Walsh family car.
She arrived at the Walsh residence precisely at 8:00 a.m. “Aunt Felicia!” A cheerful voice greeted her. Felicia turned to see Roberta’s bright smile. "Just finished doing laundry?" Felicia casually asked.
Roberta was startled. Slightly embarrassed, she raised her arm, sniffing herself and asking, "How did you know? Do I smell bad?" Felicia pointed to her own red, cold hands. Although summer approached, prolonged immersion in cold water left them aching.
Roberta didn’t seem to mind. Smiling, she said, "You should go inside. Great-grandpa is waiting."
Felicia hummed in response and entered the house at a leisurely pace. Everyone had gathered in the living room; the only empty seat, next to Clive, was reserved for her.
“Come here, sit,” Clive beckoned with a kind smile. Felicia complied.
Clive was the first to lift his fork, followed by the others. With him present, no one dared express any dissatisfaction towards Felicia. Any such feelings remained hidden.
After breakfast, the Walsh family members dispersed, some to the company, others to various tasks. Felicia went to the library; she had unfinished business with several books from her last visit.
Clive was unusually free that day. He was about to accompany her when Talia rushed over, saying, “Grandpa, someone is here for you.”
“I’ll go see,” Clive replied, guessing it was a consultation request. He casually handed Felicia a key, saying, “Go ahead. I won’t be joining you.”
“Alright.”
Felicia didn’t grasp the key’s significance, but Talia did. It opened both the library and the pharmacy; Clive always kept it on his person. This privilege was usually reserved for the next Walsh heir.
Though composed, Talia seethed inwardly. She glared furiously at Felicia before leaving, subtly sending a warning look to Roberta, who followed.
Roberta stepped forward, nervously fiddling with her clothes, attempting to please Felicia. “Aunt Felicia, I can show you the way if you don’t remember.” Felicia declined. “No need, I know the way.”
The Walsh residence was indeed labyrinthine, with gardens and winding corridors. But Felicia possessed an excellent memory and wouldn’t forget the path. Despite Felicia’s refusal, Roberta cautiously followed.
Once in a secluded area, she fearfully asked, “Aunt Felicia, are you still mad at me?”
She referred to an incident in the village where Felicia had saved her, only for Roberta to abandon her savior and flee. This remained a painful memory.