Chapter 114 - Princess of the Lim villa

Lina and Mei finally arrived at the Lim villa, their mouths agape at the incredible architecture. 

Lila strode in elegantly, with a feigned graciousness and humility at her privilege. But the way she held herself betrayed the arrogance of a princess who was used to having the world at her feet.

"Come with me, we're going to my private quarters" she ordered gently.

Lina and Mei followed Lila quietly. 

The halls of the vast villa were dotted with regal family portraits and artifacts that had been carefully chosen from differeny cultures.

The artwork and showpieces made the villa feel less like a home and more like museum.

Lina much preferred her own Moshi mansion. It was warm and welcoming, even though it was ornate. But this house seemed like is was a delicate display case and nobody had any business lodging there. 

As a maid welcomed Lila into her chambers, she ordered some freshly brewed tea.

"Maid, a pot of tea and water for our guests, please." 

Lila's tone was polite, yet entitled. 

Lina had a hard time deciding how she felt. This girl was brought up in a highly cultured and well-traveled family, that probably had connections to royalty. So it was rumoured. 

How different to Sara Yi, who was her own brand of spoiled. That girl was immature and crass, and gave anyone a mental whiplash.

But Lila, she acted like she was doing common mortals a favour by bestowing her civility upon them. 

There was something about her act that made Lina feel dirty. 

As she was lost in her thoughts about Lila, the girl's chilly, soft voice was heard again. 

"Sit, please." 

Lila had already made herself comfortable on a long sofa adorned with soft pillows. 

As if naturally knowing their stations, Lina and Mei took their seats on two hard chairs opposite her. 

Even though she was smiling on the outside, her stomach was boiling with rage. This girl had done nothing outwardly humiliating. So why was so feeling so humiliated? 

"Now, show me the treasures you ladies have brought from June. I want to try that silk dress you gave me a peek of earlier!" Lila's voice lit up a little, but she kept herself well in check.

'Does she ever falter?' Lina asked herself mentally. 

Mei immediately stood up as if commanded by a queen, and began to carefully extract the beautiful dress from it's cover.

Lila displayed a little excitement on her face, which looked more like a practiced response rather than genuine reaction. 

Lina could tell it wasn't the dresses she liked, but rather the carefuly planning of what to wear for society to gain their approval and worship. 

Could a woman really be this shallow? 

"Gorgoeus handiwork by June, as always" Lila complimented as she ran her slim, white fingers over the delicate mustard mulberry silk fabric. 

The dress was a long sheath gown, specially crafted for taller women with Lila's slim body shape. She wasn't very busty, but her figure held good posture and was reed-like. 

As she put the dress on and twirled around in front of her full length mirror, she smiled at herself approvingly. 

The mustard color contrasted beautifully well with her pale skin and the sheath form of the dress acentuated her tiny waist and long legs. 

The dress had no sleeves so it showed of her snowy white shoulders and collar bone, making her look angelic with her hair in a graceful updo. 

Mei was mesmerized, her jaw dropping to the floor. 

Lina looked at her assistant, annoyed. Who was this silly girl worshipping? Wasn't she just idolising her boss a few minutes ago? How did she so shamelessly switch sides? 

"Ladies, how do I look?" Lila asked airily, fishing for compliments. 

Lina grit her teeth in annoyance, and gulped deeply before answering. 

"Truly stunning, Miss Lim. The cut of the dress really shows off your perfect figure and height!" 

Mei almost choked listening to Lina trying to be genuine in her compliments, but Lila didn't notice. She was far too busy admiring herself. 

One after the other, she strut around in different dresses, while Mei and Lina pandered to her ego. The two women almost forgot why they had put up this whole ploy in the first place. 

But Lina snapped back to reality. She had to make a move. 

She had to get information out of Lila. 

Now that the woman was preoccupied, maybe she would let something slip.

"Miss Lim, you sure can afford to wear such finely crafted clothes all the time!" Lina said, as a compliment. 

In a show of humility, Lila looked away in feigned embarassment. 

"Well, I have been blessed to be born in such a noble family." 

Mei played along and applauded her humility. They had to play Lila up and help ger loosen her tongue. 

"Miss Lim, we have only heard great things" Mei continued to fawn. 

Lina continued from there.

"Yes, Miss Lim, we heard you have royal blood. And today, after meeting you in person, I would never doubt it!" 

Lila let out a soft, practiced laugh, and waved one slender hand in feigned embarassment. 

"There's no smoke without a fire, after all." she commented. 

Lina's eyes shined. She may not speak vulgarly like that Sara Yi and openly brag, but this woman also wanted to boast of her status. She did so with more finesse, but she gave them the answer they were looking for nonetheless. 

The main branch of the Lim family was known to have direct ties to royalty. Their bloodlines had been mixed with the royals from Country C, making them one of the most pure-blooded nobles. 

The side branches of the Lim clan didn't share this royal blood, thus making them subservient to the main branch.

This was definitely the main branch. Now they just had to connect her to Magnolia Holdings - leading her directly to Shen's business. 

Lina suddenly began to wonder why she had such a familiar feeling about Magnolia Holdings when she went through Shen's files. 

'How much does hubby know? Did I know something he didn't before my coma?' Lina started to question herself. 

She suddenly stood up. 

"Miss Lim, I suddenly feel a little sick and need the bathroom. May I please use one in your house?" 

Lila, the ever-gracious hostess made a show of some concern. 

"Of course, I will have a maid bring you there. Please take your time." 

Lila was polite, as she beckoned a maid to guide Lina through the big villa to a guest bathroom. 

As she followed the maid away from Lila's chambers through the hallways, they entered the main hall. They had to pass through the main hall to go to the guest quarters where she could use the bathroom. 

Lina quickly stopped the maid. 

"Excuse me, my stomach ache is really bad. Could you please direct me to the bathroom and bring me some gastric medication? I can find my way there while you bring it" 

Lina acted like she was in agony, convincing the unsure maid to give her the directions and she quickly went to bring Lina a pill. 

Lina straightened up and walked in the opposite direction, towards a bigger hall she hoped belonged to the head of the family.