(Um…)
Having finished reading the report and sent Kate on her way, Gloria closed her eyes on the bed when A-ko timidly spoke up.
It was against the rules, but considering A-ko had remained silent during the day, she must have endured quite a bit.
Now that she knew Gloria wouldn't scold her, A-ko seemed somewhat relieved.
(About the dress you wore today, The one with the frilled sleeves…)
The image of her outfit from earlier today flashed in her mind.
The silver needle hidden within the frills of the sleeves.
Gloria's fingers had discreetly tucked the needle into the embroidered flowers when she touched the dress.
The belongings from Kate and Kyla's move to their new place.
The old sewing box.
A needle that had been singled out from the box.
(Why…?)
The blood that had swelled in her fingertip.
The pale-faced seamstresses, heads bowed in apology.
Gloria pressed her injured index finger firmly against the rolled-up cloth.
The discomfort was only slight, and the pain had already subsided.
If… Gloria answered A-ko's silent question in her mind.
If Cindy were to use Gloria's kindness to approach her father in hopes of reconciliation, that would be fine.
Though A-ko would call it stalking in her world, it wasn't an uncommon story in this world either—commoner women obsessing over noblemen they had been discarded by, chasing them relentlessly. Of course, the opposite was just as common.
And if she were to be rejected and cast aside, it was equally ordinary.
If that were the case, it would have been a way to cause some damage to Alan.
In a sense, Gloria had come to regret her previous life's stubbornness. Now, she was determined to be more strategic and adaptable.
One key event could pave the way for endless possibilities. Regardless of the path the other party chose, Gloria could ensure the outcome she desired.
For Gloria, who aimed to be someone with quick thinking, Cindy had become a perfect test subject.
Even Gloria herself could not dance a waltz perfectly without some practice.
(But still… there was no need to frame her like that…)
A-ko's reproachful words, like a needle pricking at her, made Gloria smile in the darkness.
"I was executed for something similar, wasn't I?"
The sound of buzzing flies from the guillotine echoed in her mind, and A-ko fell silent.
It was an annoying sound, but somehow, it made it easier for her to sleep.