Chapter 3

The car drove toward the Sterling estate.

Maya sat in the prime seat, constantly fidgeting with her sapphire pendant.

The Sterling’s head housekeeper, Rachel, was also in the car, officially as an escort but actually to observe our character.

Maya didn't stop talking the entire way.

"Rachel, I heard the Sterling gardens are the finest in the country."

"Rachel, I’ve learned a new piano piece; do you think the Mistress would enjoy a recital?"

"Rachel, look at this pendant; my mother gave it to me specially."

Rachel grew pale, her brow furrowing as she pressed her hand against her temple, clearly in significant pain.

I watched this and smiled inwardly.

In my past life, Maya was just as noisy, but she got lucky because Mrs. Sterling happened to have a migraine that day. Maya had used a scent recipe she stole from my notes to relieve the headache and won the Mistress’s favor.

This time, I wouldn't give her the chance.

I took a small, elegant box from my bag. Inside, nestled on a velvet cushion, was a slender glass vial with a rollerball tip.

I had spent my three years of exile apprenticing with an old-world apothecary, mastering the art of therapeutic botanicals.

This was my own signature blend.

"You look pale, Rachel," I said, uncapping the vial. A crisp, clarifying scent of peppermint, eucalyptus, and something deeply green filled the air.

“I made this for tension headaches. Just a touch on your temples or wrists should help."

Maya immediately glared, her voice a low hiss. "Elena! What is that stuff? Are you seriously giving Rachel some homemade concoction? If you make her condition worse, can you even afford the doctor's bill?"

Rachel was already nauseous, and Maya's screeching made her head feel like it was exploding.

She shot Maya a look of pure annoyance, then ignored her completely.

Turning to me, she gestured toward the vial. "May I?"

I handed it to her. She held it under her nose for a moment, inhaling deeply.

The crisp, clarifying scent of peppermint and eucalyptus, grounded by a hint of sandalwood, seemed to cut through the stuffy air in the car.

"This is lovely," Rachel admitted, a touch of surprise in her voice. She dabbed a small amount onto her wrists as I had suggested.

I moved closer. "Forgive the intrusion, Rachel."

My fingers found the tense muscles at the base of her neck and behind her ears. "There's a pressure point here."

Using a specialized technique, I applied firm, rhythmic pressure to the knots of tension.

In moments, Rachel’s tightened brow relaxed, and she let out a long sigh of relief. The sallow, strained look on her face began to fade, replaced by a healthier flush of color.

"That's an excellent technique," Rachel said, opening her eyes. Her gaze, now clear and sharp, was filled with a new kind of scrutiny and respect.

"Miss Elena, where did you learn that? That's not something just anyone can do."

I paused, letting my hands fall away. "Just some basic acupressure I picked up from a physician while I was away," I replied calmly. "Nothing to make a fuss over."

Rachel smiled, a genuine, appreciative smile this time.

"You’re far too modest. If that's 'basic,' then most of the city's top massage therapists should be ashamed of themselves."

Maya sat beside us, twisting her napkins in a silent rage.

She didn't expect me to have this skill and tried to cut in: "Rachel, she just got lucky—"

Rachel shot her a cold look: "If you’re tired, Miss Maya, perhaps you should rest your voice. Mrs. Sterling likes peace and detests those who are too noisy."

Maya’s face stiffened as she shut her mouth.

Rachel ignored her and whispered a tip to me: "Not only is the Mistress here, but the young master is home too. Master Julian is cold by nature and dislikes girls who are overdone or fake. Character is what matters most here."

I nodded slightly: "Thank you for the advice, Rachel."

The car slowed to a halt; we had arrived at the Sterling manor.