Why is the Villainess Heiress in the slums?

This doesn’t make sense!

Yifia’s body went rigid. Her almond eyes widened instinctively; her rosy cheeks drained to chalky white. Faced with gold coins or her life—she chose survival.

Run! Now!!!

But before she could lift a foot, her collar was yanked. She dangled midair.

Like a kitten gripped by the scruff of fate.

Helpless. Pitiful. Utterly trapped.

Feet off the ground, escape impossible. Yifia looked up in despair—straight into a pair of amused violet eyes.

As the Empire’s Red Rose, Amelia radiated breathtaking beauty.

Silver hair spilled down her back, glittering sharply in the sun. Her face—a divine masterpiece, a bewitching spirit oozing allure.

Violet eyes gleamed like flawless gems, hypnotic and deep.

She wore a layered black lace gown. Square neckline revealed fair, soft cleavage; a nipped waist traced her slender frame. The skirt hid long, straight legs. Gold-threaded hem dotted with pearls matched her lace hat and clutch—every detail screamed *expensive*.

*How many black breads could one pearl buy?*

No—focus! Escape Amelia!

“Honorable Miss, please release me. I was merely passing through.”

Struggling proved useless. Yifia stilled, gazing up with hopeful, watery eyes—round like a puppy’s, trying to roll over and show her soft belly.

The more she played innocent, the more tempting she became.

Amelia didn’t let go. Her gloved fingertip tapped Yifia’s nose, then drifted to her cheek, gently pinching the baby fat.

*Soft.*

Maybe she pressed too hard—or Yifia’s skin was too tender. A faint red mark bloomed after she released her.

Meeting Yifia’s accusing stare, Amelia’s smile never wavered. She leaned close, breath warm against Yifia’s ear:

“My cute little bird… I’m lost. Will you guide me out?”

*Lost?*

Ignoring the tingling whisper, Yifia stared, disbelief plain in her dark eyes. *Who gets lost near the slums?!*

*Yeah, right.*

But collar gripped tight—she swallowed her pride.

“Please allow me to help!”

Yifia feigned trust, pointing pitifully at her collar: *Stop lifting me like luggage!*

Amelia wasn’t annoyed.

She found it… endearing.

She released her. Feet touched earth.

Yifia stole a glance at Amelia’s long legs, then her own stubby ones. With a silent sigh, she abandoned escape. Fake smile plastered on, she led the way.

[System, find the quickest route out of the slums.]

[Scanning… Optimal path selected: Walk 500 meters forward, turn left, then right into the alley…]

Following the map, Yifia strode ahead—then froze. Beyond the tree’s shade lay a twisted corpse, blood splattered everywhere. Her forced smile vanished.

*What the hell?!*

*Why a corpse?!*

*What does this have to do with the Villainess Heiress?!*

Heart hammering, she flicked between the body and Amelia’s calm smile. Goosebumps prickled her spine. She screamed inwardly:

[System, did *she* kill him?]

[Is she going to kill *me*?]

[I’m done! System, go find your next host!]

Silence.

No reply.

Imagining herself abandoned and rotting, Yifia’s eyes welled. *So unfair… Shot once, reborn—only to die again?*

Her legs turned to jelly. As she crumpled, arms caught her waist.

She sank into warmth. Soft breath brushed her ear.

Trembling slightly, too weak to pull away, she leaned into the embrace, counting silent seconds. *All I wanted was to be a pampered rich kid living easy… Why this?!*

Just then, Amelia murmured:

“Frightened, little bird? Don’t worry. He died from drug addiction—self-inflicted. See? Sunken eyes, wasted frame, needle marks on his neck, knife still clutched… Still, too gruesome. Look away. Spare yourself nightmares.”

Yifia blinked. She looked closer. Every detail matched—especially the clustered needle tracks.

The slums bred addicts and despair, but she’d never seen death this raw.

She’d wrongly blamed the Villainess Heiress…

Yet Amelia had steadied her.

Guilt flooded her. Flustered, she straightened while holding Amelia’s arm—only for Amelia to catch her retreating hand.

“Hold my hand if you’re scared.”

Amelia’s smile deepened Yifia’s shame. No more resistance. She laced her fingers gently into Amelia’s.

*Okay… maybe I am a little scared.*

*Thank goodness for Amelia.*

*Could the system be wrong? How can someone this kind be the Villainess Heiress?!*

“Thank you for your kindness. Let’s go—quickly.”

Amelia’s brows lifted faintly at Yifia’s grateful tone. *Such a soft little hand.*

*Adorable.*

She nodded. One last glance at the corpse. A cold, mocking smile touched her lips.

*Boring toy. Waste of time.*

*But… this new one? Delightfully cute.*