Tashia had already told Vivianne everything that happened. She was shocked to learn that Sharlene could now see visions from both the past and the present. But what startled her more was learning what their grandmother had done years ago. Vivianne could only sigh.
She didn't want to get too involved—each of them was dealing with their own burdens. Right now, she was at the hospital with Tashia while Sharlene took a much-needed break. At least the school where Sharlene worked was offering financial assistance to the accident victim. It wasn't much, but it helped ease some of the pressure.
At least that's something, Vivianne thought.
Ashley remained under close observation. Though her life was no longer in immediate danger, she was still in a coma. The doctors promised to keep them updated, especially regarding the blood clot in her brain.
"Tash, go get some sleep," Vivianne said gently to her sister, who was quietly reviewing her lessons.
Tashia looked up. "You have work tomorrow, remember? Besides, my schedule isn't that early. I can still rest later."
Vivianne sighed. "Are you afraid of what you'll see in your dream?"
Tashia went quiet. Her eyes stared off for a moment before she let out a deep breath. "I'm just worried about Ashley… about her soul. What if something happens while her body's still fighting?"
"Let's not dwell on that right now. It'll only add to everything else we're already dealing with," Vivianne replied softly.
The night grew deeper. Vivianne glanced at her watch—almost midnight.
"I'll just take a quick nap, Tash. You too, okay? Wake me if anything happens." She lay down on the small hospital bed, pulled the blanket over herself, and quickly sank into the comfort, letting herself drift off.
Then came the sound—soft, steady footsteps pacing in front of her.
She tried to ignore them, but the repetition began to irritate her. She threw the blanket aside.
Her brows furrowed.
This isn't the hospital.
"No, not again," Vivianne muttered. "I really don't want to see anyone. I'm tired."
She covered herself again with the blanket and shut her eyes tight.
Just let this be the hospital. Please.
She kept them closed, trying to will herself back to reality. The footsteps eventually faded.
Maybe I'm back.
But when she opened her eyes, she was still somewhere unfamiliar.
"This isn't fair," she groaned, sitting up.
Vivianne looked around. She was in a house, but it wasn't one she recognized. Carefully, she turned the doorknob and walked down the stairs. The silence was unnerving. She scanned the surroundings. Strangers' photos hung on the walls.
Then she heard voices—muffled conversations coming from a nearby room. She crept closer and peeked inside. A small group was in the middle of what looked like a private meeting.
Two women. One man.
"Fredrick, aren't you being hasty in your decision?" asked one of the women.
"He's been meddling with us, Angely," the man replied firmly.
Vivianne's breath caught.
The other woman turned, and Vivianne's heart skipped.
Grandma Felicia?
"Did you kill the woman who was troubling you?" Felicia asked, her voice as cold as ice.
The two hesitated, but both gave a slight nod.
Vivianne felt chills run down her spine. She had always suspected that her grandmother used her abilities for personal gain—but hearing it confirmed still shocked her.
"I spoke to Leah Martinez," Felicia continued. "You need to go to prison, Fredrick Manuel Santiago. Only then will she find peace—and perhaps, even forgive you. Return the wealth you stole from her. That money belongs to the needy."
Vivianne's brows furrowed.
Leah Martinez?
"W—Wait. Don't say another word, Felicia," the man, Manuel, stammered in fear.
"What did Leah offer you in return?" Angely asked.
Felicia smiled slyly. "Let's just say I'm being practical. I have people to support… and I have certain luxuries I can't live without."
Vivianne's stomach turned.
The Rosario family had never been rich. She remembered being a child, back when her parents were still together—how suddenly their grandmother became wealthy, showering the family with gifts and money. That surge of wealth had split the family apart.
Felicia's smile deepened. "We can make a deal," she whispered, her tone cunning.
The scene shifted.
Now Vivianne was in a different place. She spotted a woman in the distance.
"You will pay. You will pay," the woman murmured.
"Felicia… I trusted you. I gave you everything. All I wanted was justice," the woman said with rising anger.
"I'll wait for you," she continued. "I won't let you rest in peace. I'll wait for you here."
The woman's expression twisted into a bitter smile. Her white dress turned black before Vivianne's eyes—now she wore mourning clothes.
Vivianne's body froze. The woman turned and smiled directly at her.
The woman who attended Grandma Felicia's wake… and who followed Martin and Sheila...
Vivianne's mind spun.
Is she Leah Martinez?
A sudden jolt woke her. Tashia was shaking her gently.
"Are you okay?" she asked.
Vivianne rubbed her eyes and shook her head.
It was dawn already.
She sat up and checked the time. She needed to get ready for work. But her mind was elsewhere—racing through the puzzle pieces she had just witnessed.
Is Grandma connected to Leah Martinez?
"Vivianne," a familiar voice called.
"Sis Sharlene?" Vivianne looked up. "Why are you here so early?"
Sharlene gave a weak smile and shook her head. Vivianne noticed something missing from her finger.
Her wedding ring...
"Did something happen?" she asked.
"I just went back to Grandma Felicia's old house. My husband kicked me out," Sharlene said with a soft chuckle.
Vivianne's brows shot up.
That man has some nerve.
"Sis, just go home for now," Tashia said gently.