Chapter 2

The Harrison estate was enormous, a palace of stone and glass. Marcus led me through the heavy front doors. "Try not to embarrass us," he muttered, his tone full of disdain. "Chloe is sensitive." I said nothing. I knew Chloe. Sensitive like a viper. We entered a vast living room. Chloe Harrison sat on a plush sofa, a vision in silk. Beautiful, delicate, and utterly false. She rose, her eyes wide with feigned innocence. "Scarlett? Is it really you? Oh, welcome home!" She rushed forward, arms outstretched for a hug. I sidestepped her embrace smoothly. "Hello, Chloe." Her smile faltered for a second. Mr. and Mrs. Harrison stood nearby, my biological parents. They looked older, worn by a grief I now understood. Mrs. Harrison, my mother, had tears in her eyes. "My dear child," she whispered. Mr. Harrison looked uncertain, his gaze shifting between me and Chloe. Chloe quickly recovered, linking her arm through Mrs. Harrison's. "Mom, Dad, isn't this wonderful? My sister is finally here!" She then turned to me, her eyes sparkling with a malicious light I knew too well. "I got you a welcome gift, Scarlett. I hope you like it." She gestured to a small, ornate music box on a nearby table. It was antique, clearly expensive. In my past life, she "accidentally" knocked it over later, blaming my supposed clumsiness, making me look careless with their generosity. "That's very thoughtful, Chloe," I said. I walked towards it. Chloe tensed, expecting me to pick it up. Instead, I addressed my parents. "Mr. and Mrs. Harrison, I appreciate the gesture. However, before I accept any gifts, I'd like to understand something." I looked at Marcus. "Marcus, you mentioned this house has excellent security. Is that correct?" He looked surprised. "Yes, state of the art. Why?" "Chloe," I said, my voice even. "This music box is beautiful. But it looks very fragile. I wouldn't want anything to happen to it. Perhaps it would be safer if you held onto it for now?" Chloe’s eyes narrowed. She didn't expect this. "Oh, don't be silly, Scarlett. It's for you." She reached for it. "I insist," I said, my gaze firm. "I'm not used to such delicate things. You're much more graceful." I saw the flash of anger in her eyes before she masked it. "Well, if you insist," Chloe said, picking it up carefully. "But it really is quite sturdy." As she turned, her elbow "accidentally" bumped a small vase on the edge of the table. The vase teetered. In my past life, *I* was standing there. *I* would have been blamed. This time, Chloe was the one who looked clumsy. She gasped as the vase wobbled. Marcus quickly steadied it. "See?" I said lightly. "Accidents happen. Better safe than sorry with such a lovely gift."