I love seeing how all this is backfiring on Mielle. She underestimates Aria and gets over her head. Ariaās milking all the sympathy in the meanwhile, all the while having her friends defend her and the maids point the finger back to Emma.
The sad part is, Mielle couldāve said no. She should have said no. Aria was no longer a threat to her engagement. Killing her wouldāve only brought more problems, especially since her reputation had improved. But Mielle clearly doesnāt realize how having the maids on her side, having someone connected like Annie or high noble support like Sarah and the Marquess speaking on her behalf. Even Isis shouldāve know, being close to the Marquess and the prince wouldāve drawn huge scrutiny. Not a smart move on both their parts. Clearly they think her low origins would make people turn a blind eye. How wrong they were...
And yes, š¤¢ at Cain suddenly having feelings for Aria. The woman he killed in cold blood in the previous timeline. No love, just weird lust for a pretty girl he thinks he can control because of her low station. Disgusting.