Chapter 112 - Infiltrating Territories

In high society, there is one imposing truth that stands for many years.

There is a fixed group of eminent men and women, including their children, their close relatives, and their most trusted subordinates, that monopolize all power, leaving no room for those at the lower position to rise up the ranks. Bloodline is no longer that important at this age, and rather than talents or abilities, personal interests play a bigger role in the grander scheme of things. Those at the top will be the ones to command the tides while those at the bottom will have no choice but to go with the flow.

Or at least, this is how it plays out in certain families.

"Even though the child holds so much potential, those who are merely chosen by the ones in power still end up getting everything…" was what Winter said to Marcellus back in the local library – in regards to their discussion about cultivating young talents and turning them into their own people, more specifically.

"I want to help those children, Sir Lexington, and by using my alias, I think I can without getting noticed by the Middleton's. It may be nosy of me to meddle in other people's affairs, but I can't just stay still and watch such potentials go to waste."

Before becoming the official head of the Middleton family, she wants to reserve some 'replenishment' for future use. Since she's planning to get rid of a number of people from their company as well as their household, she'll have to search for replacements. Fortunately, being a time traveler, she knows who will shine the most in the succeeding years. 

Now, all that Winter has to do is pull the strings behind the scenes.

"Well then, shall we get started?"

---

Of course, not everything will go as planned.

It was already almost evening when Winter returned to the Middleton's estate after meeting up with Marcellus and the others at the local library. What greeted her as soon as she entered the mansion was something she didn't quite expect – something that would ruin her day at the last minute. Apparently, just like her, Bianca wouldn't stand still either.

"Let's go to a night club!"

Her army of skanks, Lacey and Amanda, are here to drag Winter to another honey trap.

They appeared out of nowhere and started insisting her to go with them to a party. She was thrown off guard, of course, but was able to compose herself and decline right away. 

"Oh, come on~! Bianca told us not to make you feel lonely! So, we came to keep you company!" were their reasons for inviting her to a night club of all places. 

Bianca is not around at the moment. She's probably still at work. Although she hasn't graduated from college yet, she's already helping Cyrus and Grace with their family business. So, she has to spend a good portion of her summer vacation in their workplace. 

Now, that's a good excuse to make her lackeys do all the bullying in her stead.

'This isn't new at all, though. Before, they used to invite me to go drinking and partying around. I remember that they even took pictures of me when I got drunk and posted them online. Uncle Cyrus was so disappointed at that time. Aunt Grace also punished me by keeping me locked up in that 'torture' room for a whole month. What's more, I became a laughingstock wherever I went. I definitely don't want that to happen again…' Winter bitterly thought, grimacing from the memory alone.   

'However, this can also be a perfect opportunity to infiltrate Bianca's territory. Hanging out with Lacey and Amanda isn't so bad, anyway. I just have to keep my guards up and be all business like usual.'

Indeed, she can still gain something from this.

Then again, these two are from wealthy families as well. They're in a long-lasting partnership with their company, which means crossing paths with them is inevitable. Lacey, in particular, will inherit one of the country's most renowned manors, though it will eventually end up in her younger brother's hands. It was rumored that she lost the manor because of her lack of managerial abilities.

'What a waste. That manor is of great value. It's a historical heritage from their lineage, after all…' Winter thought to herself before perking up at the dawn of a certain realization.

'Hold on. Did I seriously forget? Lacey Park is one of those I'm looking for. She's qualified.' 

Now that she thinks about it, she recalls that the Park family is dominated by male members. It's part of a patriarchal clan that is dead set on making men as sole successors. That being said, all of the female members are not allowed to participate in the competition for the next head. They can only inherit lands and other properties at most.

'Still, that manor is a huge thing! Lacey shouldn't have given up on that…!' she wanted to bolt out right then, finally getting the bigger picture. 

'She herself isn't entirely that incompetent, either. I mean, she's a freaking gossip girl. Of course, she has a widespread network. That's the main reason why Bianca befriended her in the first place. All she wants is the information that she can provide. If only she can develop her abilities and stop hiding behind my sister's shadows, she'll be able to keep that manor as well as her dignity.'

That does it. This one's the first target. As early as tonight, her plan shall commence.

Winter decided to do a little experiment on Lacey.

"Sure, Ms. Park and Ms. Rockwell, I'll go with you."

---

Much to Lacey and Amanda's delight, they're able to take Winter with them.

It's all going according to what Bianca wants. The plan is to get her as drunk as they can and start a scandal by posting pictures of her in that state on social media. Then, she will enter the scene as soon as the party is over, pretending to be a concerned elder sister and taking her home.

This will do good for Bianca's reputation – and bad for Winter's.

Unbeknownst to them, however, their victim isn't planning to be a victim at all. 

Winter has a plan of her own. Before going out with Lacey and Amanda to that night club, she brought some costume change to disguise herself with later on. It's a good thing that Bianca is not around. This way, she can carry out her scheme however she pleases.   

'Well, everything is good to go. I've got all that I need, and I can start at any given moment…' she contemplated as she took a look at the luggage that she brought with her.

'Still, why must it be in this kind of place? This is worse than I recall.'

Apparently, the venue of the get-together turns out to be a karaoke bar with beers and alcohol all around - not a night club with a milder setting. Right now, Winter is sitting beside Amanda inside a room that's filled with loud singing, lots of drinking and plenty of goofing around.

'Oh, and PDA…' she grimaced when she caught sight of a couple making out in the dark corner. 

'Sir Lexington might get mad at me once I tell him all about this. Perhaps, I should've asked for his advice first? There's really not enough time, though. I have to take this chance while Bianca is still not around.'

Winter wants to get out of that place as soon as possible. So, she finally begins her search for her target. Lacey vanished the moment they arrived there. Amanda has been left to babysit her.   

"Sorry if you're uncomfortable, Winter. I wasn't aware that we're going to end up in a karaoke bar. Lacey did all the work to get us here. She said there had been a change of plans," she apologized while she stared at her with concern.

"It's alright, Ms. Rockwell. I'm not uncomfortable. You ought to go and have fun, though. You've been staying here with me for a while now," she reassured her, nearly buying her excuse with how worried she looked.

"Of course, I can't just leave you behind. I know you're still not good with this kind of places. You only turned eighteen this year, after all, didn't you?"

"Oh, yes. I did."

"Since you're Bianca's little sister, I want to treat you as one too. So, let this big sis look after you, okay? Tell me if you want something. You can drink too if you want."

Winter had always thought that Amanda was an idiot. 

But if she's acting right now, she has to praise her for being so good at it. Or perhaps, she's just really being sympathetic. Because Bianca isn't present at the moment, she can do it in the open. This was how she usually acted whenever she was alone with her before.

Even then, whether she's genuinely worried or not, that didn't change the fact that she did nothing to help her back then. 

"It's really alright, Ms. Rockwell. I don't need you to look after me..." Winter said as she stood up from her seat and looked down at her apathetically, striking Amanda astonished. 

"So, save your breath.. Don't concern yourself with me anymore."