Emily barely slept that night.
The silence inside the massive Knight residence felt suffocating. Every hallway seemed too long, and every room felt too large. Somewhere in this enormous house, Sophia was still watching her.
Emily sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the morning light coming through the tall windows.
"This place is insane," she muttered quietly.
A soft knock suddenly came from the door.
Before she could answer, the door slowly opened and Alexander stepped inside.
He looked as calm as ever, already dressed in a dark suit as if he had been awake for hours.
"You're awake," he said.
Emily sighed.
"Hard not to be when your house feels like a museum."
Alexander raised an eyebrow slightly.
"You'll get used to it."
"I doubt that," she replied.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Then Alexander walked closer and leaned lightly against the desk.
"My grandfather's test has already started."
Emily looked up immediately.
"What do you mean?"
Alexander's voice remained calm.
"This morning he informed the entire household staff that you are officially part of the Knight family."
Emily blinked in surprise.
"That sounds… like a good thing."
Alexander shook his head slightly.
"It also means everyone in this house will be watching you."
Emily groaned softly.
"Great. No pressure at all."
Alexander studied her expression.
"You're nervous."
Emily crossed her arms.
"Of course I'm nervous. Your grandfather is testing me, Sophia clearly hates me, and I'm living in a mansion that probably costs more than my entire hometown."
For a brief second, Alexander almost smiled.
"Then prove them wrong."
Emily frowned.
"What?"
Alexander's voice lowered slightly.
"Everyone in this family expects you to fail."
Emily was silent for a moment.
Then she slowly stood up.
"Well… that's too bad for them."
Alexander's eyes sharpened with interest.
"Oh?"
Emily lifted her chin confidently.
"If they want a test, then I'll pass it."
Alexander watched her carefully.
Then he nodded once.
"Good."
But before Emily could say anything else, the door suddenly opened again.
A maid rushed in nervously.
"Mr. Knight… Miss Sophia is downstairs."
Emily sighed immediately.
"Of course she is."
The maid continued quickly.
"She says she has a special surprise for Mrs. Knight."
Alexander's expression instantly turned cold.
Emily felt a strange chill run through her body.
Because something told her that Sophia's "surprise" was not going to be pleasant.
And this time, it might be more dangerous than simple insults.