Transferred to another life

**Chapter Forty-Five: The Blame Game**

Olivia sat in her study, her fingers tracing the rim of her teacup as she planned her next move. Aunt Beatrice had already started to waver, but today would solidify her trust. The suggestion potion had worked wonders during their last encounter, and Olivia intended to strengthen that bond by planting even darker seeds of doubt—this time, not just about Matthew's actions, but his role in her supposed illness.

When Aunt Beatrice knocked and entered, Olivia smiled warmly. "Aunt Beatrice, I've been thinking... We need to talk. About Matthew."

Beatrice, her brow already furrowed in concern, took a seat across from Olivia. "What is it, dear? I've been so worried about everything lately. Especially you."

Olivia carefully poured tea, adding a few drops of the potent suggestion potion into Beatrice's cup as she spoke. "It's all been weighing on me as well. You see, something has been bothering me. About my own health."

Beatrice's eyes widened. "Your health? You've been ill?"

Olivia nodded, her face painted with a mixture of exhaustion and subtle fear. "Yes, Aunt Beatrice. I haven't been feeling like myself for weeks now. Strange symptoms... headaches, dizziness... It's why I've been so on edge." She paused, allowing her words to sink in before adding, "And I fear that it's all connected to Matthew."

Beatrice froze, her teacup hovering mid-air. "Matthew? What do you mean?"

Olivia lowered her gaze, feigning hesitation. "I didn't want to bring this up, but... ever since Matthew became ill, I've been feeling the same symptoms. It's almost as if... his illness has somehow spread to me. But it's not a normal illness, Aunt Beatrice. I believe it's something far worse, something unnatural."

Beatrice's hands shook slightly, and she quickly took a sip of her tea, the suggestion potion beginning to ease its way into her mind. "That's... a serious accusation, Olivia. But why would Matthew...?"

Olivia bit her lip, as if grappling with the enormity of her own suggestion. "I've been thinking about it constantly, trying to make sense of it all. The timing of my illness, how I started feeling these strange symptoms after being around him. And then, when the family turned on me so quickly, it all felt too... deliberate."

Beatrice's frown deepened. "Are you suggesting that Matthew did this to you on purpose?"

"I don't know for sure," Olivia replied, her voice trembling slightly for effect. "But doesn't it seem odd? Matthew falls ill, and then suddenly I'm experiencing similar symptoms. And at the same time, the family starts treating me like an outcast. What if... What if Matthew's illness isn't just a coincidence? What if he's behind all of this?"

Beatrice set her teacup down, her mind clearly spinning. The suggestion potion was doing its work, amplifying her anxieties and making her more susceptible to Olivia's narrative. "But why would Matthew do something like that? He's your brother."

Olivia sighed heavily, as if the weight of her words was too much to bear. "I don't know, Aunt Beatrice. But I've seen the way he looks at me. There's a darkness in his eyes, a calculation. I think he's been plotting against me for some time now. And now, with this illness, he's trying to weaken me—to make me look crazy, or worse."

Beatrice's face drained of color, her voice barely a whisper. "That's... that's monstrous, Olivia. If what you're saying is true..."

"I didn't want to believe it," Olivia interrupted, her voice cracking just enough to sell the performance. "I kept telling myself that Matthew wouldn't hurt me. But the signs are all there. He's been manipulating everyone, including me, and now I'm afraid he's trying to destroy me—physically and mentally."

Beatrice reached out and took Olivia's hand, her grip tight with concern. "Oh, Olivia... I had no idea you were suffering like this. Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"I was afraid," Olivia admitted, squeezing her aunt's hand gently. "Afraid that no one would believe me. That they would all take Matthew's side, just like they did before. But you... you've always been kind to me. You're the only one I can trust."

Beatrice's eyes softened with sympathy, her mind now fully under the influence of Olivia's manipulation. "Of course, Olivia. You can always trust me. I won't let Matthew—or anyone—hurt you."

Olivia gave her a grateful smile, her mind whirring with satisfaction. Beatrice was fully on her side now, completely convinced that Matthew was responsible for Olivia's mysterious illness. It was a perfect set-up: not only had Olivia cast suspicion on her brother, but she had also positioned herself as the victim, someone in need of protection.

"I just don't know what to do next," Olivia whispered, her voice trembling with false vulnerability. "If Matthew's truly behind all of this, how can I possibly fight back?"

Beatrice's face hardened with determination. "We'll figure it out, Olivia. Together. We'll keep a close eye on Matthew, and if he's responsible for your illness, we'll make sure the family knows the truth."

Olivia nodded, a sense of triumph swelling in her chest. Beatrice had taken the bait, and now she was fully prepared to defend Olivia—and accuse Matthew—without hesitation.

As they finished their tea, Olivia allowed herself a small, satisfied smile. The pieces were falling into place. Soon, Matthew would be the one under scrutiny, and Olivia would be free to carry out her plans with Aunt Beatrice as her unwitting accomplice.

She had played the victim perfectly, and now it was time to watch her brother squirm under the weight of suspicion.

*Matthew wanted to paint me as the villain?* Olivia thought, her eyes gleaming with dark satisfaction. *Let's see how he handles being the accused.*