Chapter 171

"You wish to learn about Madam?" Evelyn studied Vivian's eager expression before sighing. "I fear this will disappoint you. Truthfully, I never truly knew her either. Our interactions were... limited."

"Seriously?"

"Indeed." Evelyn's gaze grew distant as memories surfaced. "I was raised in isolation, homeschooled by a family who'd served the Lockharts for generations. When Madam selected me to care for your pregnant mother—and later, you—I obeyed without question."

Her fingers twisted in her lap. "She was... enigmatic. Always veiled during our rare meetings. That's why I say we never properly met."

Even after all these years, Evelyn could still recall Madam Lockhart's unsettling presence. The woman possessed an otherworldly aura—"beautiful" felt inadequate. No fabric could conceal her mesmerizing essence.

"By the time I joined the Lockhart household, she'd already vanished." Evelyn's voice dropped. "Lord Arthur, your parents... none would speak of her departure. The subject became forbidden."

Vivian's shoulders slumped. "Same here. No photographs, no stories—just this... absence. I've always wondered what could make a woman abandon her own family."

Hope had flickered when she'd sought Evelyn's knowledge, but reality proved equally barren.

From scattered clues, Vivian had reconstructed fragments: The Schneiders of Nordhaven—her grandmother Lilliana's lineage—were among the ancient city's most secretive dynasties. Once illustrious, they'd dissolved into whispers, their name now spoken only in hushed tones.

"If you seek answers about Madam, Nordhaven may hold them." Evelyn hesitated. "Did you locate the quilt? I recall Lady Lockhart mentioning Madam embroidered it specially for you before disappearing. The pattern might..."

Vivian's jaw tightened. "I found it. But there's... an issue."

Mentioning the heirloom reignited her fury toward Cassandra. She withdrew the bundle from her bag, watching Evelyn's face light up—then blanch in horror at the crimson scrawls defacing the fabric.

"Blood? Who would—"

"Doesn't matter." Vivian snatched it back, unfazed by the curses. Disgust outweighed fear. Restoration was paramount.

With practiced hands, Evelyn cleansed the stains, revealing the intricate embroidery beneath—a phoenix entwined with blossoms, its feathers forming...

"Is that a map?" Evelyn traced the threadlines. "Nordhaven's coastline, perhaps? This feels intentional—like she left you a trail."

Vivian's pulse quickened at the possibility, but she stowed the quilt and pendant without comment. Some mysteries required privacy.

"We'll discuss this later."