Chapter 8 Much Obliged

"In another life, I'd wait on you hand and foot to repay your kindness in this one," Blair said, making as if to kneel.

Cecilia simply watched, detached, as though she were an outsider to her own life.

She knew Blair too well to believe she had changed overnight. This was just another performance, meant to look pitiful in front of Rufus and win his sympathy. It was a trick Blair had perfected over the years.

In stark contrast to Cecilia's indifference, Rufus's expression softened with concern. He caught Blair before she could sink any lower, his voice warm with pity. "She owes you this."

"You… you're too kind. That's why people take advantage of you." Rufus tapped her lightly between the brows, a gesture that carried more meaning than his tone revealed.

Blair leaned into him, burying her face in his chest and letting out a low sob. Her fingers clutched at the fine fabric of his tailored suit, tightening as though to anchor herself in her own turmoil.

Rufus, usually fastidious about his clothes, didn't seem to notice the wrinkles or smudges. His hand moved gently over her hair. This was his indulgence.

With Blair's interruption, whatever Cecilia had meant to say was lost. Rufus's attention had shifted entirely. She might as well have been a piece of scenery—no, a backdrop for Blair's drama.

Cecilia told herself she should be used to it by now, but she had overestimated her resilience. Watching Rufus soothe Blair, her chest still tightened in pain… though the ache had become a familiar companion.

After a while, Blair pressed a hand to her chest and claimed she couldn't breathe. Rufus didn't hesitate. He rose and went to find the attending physician.

He had always been cautious with Blair. Otherwise, he would never have considered using Cecilia for the drug trials.

The door closed, leaving only the two women in the room.

The moment Rufus was gone, Blair's mask slipped. The clarity in her eyes vanished, replaced by something darker—cold, venomous.

"Cecilia, why haven't you died yet?" Blair's fingers hooked under Cecilia's chin, tilting her face upward. Her gaze was sharp, her voice dripping with malice. She was nothing like the woman she had been seconds ago.

Cecilia turned her head away, breaking the hold. Her glance was cool. "Blair, that's not what you just said. Weren't you promising to be grateful, to repay me?"

She mimicked Blair's tone, but her own carried open mockery.

Blair let out a sharp laugh. "What I say doesn't matter. What matters is you, Cecilia. How do you still have the nerve to show your face?"

"What do you mean?" Cecilia straightened, meeting her gaze. Beneath the blanket, her nails bit into her own skin.

"Your mother was just a mistress, and she didn't even like you. Your father never claimed you. You're nothing but trouble—a disgrace. Yet you cling to Mrs. Chapman's place as if it's the only thing you've got."

Her teeth clenched. "What's the point? Rufus let go of the past long ago, but you hold on to it like it's gold. Sometimes I wonder if you're tormenting him… or yourself."

Blair's smile was sharp, each word like a blade driven into Cecilia's chest.

She knew Cecilia's weak points. She knew exactly where to strike.

Usually, whatever Blair did to her, Cecilia endured in silence. But mention Bronte or the history with Rufus, and Cecilia's composure would crack.

Cecilia wasn't foolish. She saw Blair's intent clearly. So she drew in a slow breath and steadied herself.

"Blair, you're pitiful. Do you know that?"

The words made Blair's smile falter. "What's that supposed to mean?"

When had it ever been Cecilia's place to pity her? The faint trace of compassion in Cecilia's eyes made Blair's skin crawl.

To Blair, Cecilia had always been a complete failure. And now she dared to pity her?

"Rufus shields you. Brad spoils you. But do they know who you really are? Do they know what you're like?"

Blair froze.

"They don't," Cecilia continued. "So you think you're adored, but no one truly loves you. Because you'll never know if, once you show them your real thoughts, Rufus, Brad, or anyone else who claims to care for you will still love you without hesitation."

The words struck at the deepest fear in Blair's heart.

She shoved Cecilia away, gasping for breath. "No… you're lying."

But even Blair couldn't tell whether she was speaking to Cecilia or to herself.

Cecilia hadn't expected such a strong reaction. She leaned in, pressing the advantage, her voice low and deliberate. "What if I told Rufus everything you've done? Would he still see you as an innocent girl who needs protecting?"

Blair's fury and panic peaked. Her thoughts tangled, the sound of Cecilia's voice fading until all she could see was the movement of her lips.

One thought burned in her mind—hit her. Humiliate her like before. Make sure she could never hold her head high again.

Blair's eyes locked on hers as she closed the distance.

A second before her control snapped, the door swung open.

Instinct took over before she could think. She straightened, then let herself fall to the floor.

Blair didn't hold back. Even a simple fall left her elbow scraped and bleeding.

"Blair!" Rufus crossed the space in three long strides, gathering her up with care.

Before he could ask what had happened, Blair clutched her injured arm and looked up at him, her voice trembling. "Cecilia… even if you don't like me, you didn't have to do this. I told you, to make it up to you, I'd give you anything you wanted…"

Her eyes lifted to Rufus, a tear sliding down at the perfect moment. "But not Rufus. He's not something I can give away. Besides… I love him."

Cecilia watched her play the victim yet again, irritation rising. Blair had been using this act for years, and it had never failed her.