The Montgomery estate sprawled out before me, its classical elegance filling the courtyard. I was led to a spacious tea room to wait. Not long after, I heard footsteps, the sharp click of high heels growing louder as a maid ushered someone in. As I looked up, I came face-to-face with Arabelle.

She froze, clearly startled to see me. Jaxon, too, halted in his tracks when he saw me. His expression darkened, a scowl overtaking his features as though his face had become the color of storm clouds.

"You followed me? Didn’t I say you’re not allowed to show up in front of me again?"

I quickly explained, "I’m here to see Rigel, the young master of the Montgomery family."

His expression softened slightly, though suspicion still lingered in his eyes. "Why are you looking for him?"

"I’m here to treat—"

"You came early just to beg the Montgomery family to take you in, didn’t you?" Arabelle interrupted. "But Liora, you’re just a pawn to marry into the Montgomery family in my place for luck. Do you really think they’ll treat you kindly?"

"I’m only thinking of your well-being. I’m afraid you’ll be mistreated. You should leave quickly. If you anger Mrs. Montgomery, it won’t end well."

Her voice was sickly sweet, as though she were trying to protect me out of kindness. Jaxon glanced at her with appreciation, his gaze softening.

"Arabelle, you’re so considerate."

I blinked, confused; what was Arabelle doing here?

"And what’s your reason for being here?"

The maid at Arabelle's side spoke up, "Miss Arabelle just returned from studying abroad. She’s highly skilled in medicine, so we invited her to treat our young master."

Jaxon nodded, a knowing look in his eyes. "I know Arabelle’s abilities. It was her medicine that helped me recover back then."

I turned my gaze to Arabelle, who lifted her chin, a smug glint in her eyes as she met my stare.

Arabelle clung to Jaxon’s arm like a pampered child. "Jaxon, I’m worried Liora’s presence might interfere with my treatment."

"She’s just a housewife, she doesn’t know anything."

With a wave of his hand, two bodyguards at the door stepped forward, grabbing me roughly and dragging me out.

"What are you doing? Let go of me!"

"You’d better leave. Don’t get in Arabelle’s way."

The maid sneered. "Someone like her has no right to step foot in our Montgomery estate. She’s a disgrace!"

"Stop! Let go!"