Chapter 876

Keira frowned. As soon as Lena finished speaking, a few people behind her stepped forward. Keira’s mind kicked into overdrive, scrambling for a way to deal with Lena.

Going head-to-head was out of the question. She didn’t have a single weapon on her, and she’d never take down the South family’s people on her own. Not to mention, if she so much as raised a hand, the soldiers stationed nearby would probably swarm her in a heartbeat.

But what, she was just supposed to let them toss her into the ocean?

No way.

She looked straight at Scarlet.

Sure enough, Scarlet stepped forward and blocked Lena’s path. “You’re not doing this p>

Lena let out a cold laugh. “And who are you to stop me? Since when did you get a say in what I decide p>

“She’s my friend,” Scarlet said firmly. “We’re of the same rank. Why can’t I have a say p>

“Same rank?” Lena sneered. “You really believe that? The whole ’second-tier branch’ label might be the official line, but you seriously think you measure up p>

Scarlet’s expression darkened. “Whether I do or not isn’t for you to decide. I still hold the title, and it counts. If you’re so determined to kick her out, go talk to your aunt and have the family head bring it up with my dad p>

Lena’s eyes turned cold. “No need to bother my aunt over something so minor p>

Scarlet snorted. “Oh, is that what it is? You’re not ’bothering’ her, or are you just scared? The family head has always been fair—never played favorites. You don’t dare take this to her, do you p>

Lena clenched her fists. “Don’t flatter yourself. She’s my aunt—do you really think she’d side with you if it came down to it? But fine. I’m not wasting my time on this p>

She turned her glare to Keira. “I’ll let you go today. But don’t get too comfortable. Scarlet, you’d better keep your little friend glued to your side, or next time? She’s gone p>

With that, Lena turned and strutted off like she owned the place.

Scarlet immediately let out a breath of relief.

Keira looked at her and couldn’t help but ask, “Didn’t you just say your family head plays fair? What are you so afraid of p>

Scarlet shot her a look. “You clearly haven’t met her. Nobody walks in there ’just to talk.’ She gives you one look and it chills you to your bones p>

Keira blinked. She’d thought Scarlet was fearless just a moment ago, but clearly, even she was intimidated by the current head of the family.

Then again, it made sense. Anyone who could win the last inheritance battle… definitely wasn’t ordinary.

She suddenly found herself intrigued.

As Keira was mulling this over, Scarlet sighed and gave her a look. “Seriously, what were you thinking? You’re new here, don’t know how anything works, and you go and make enemies already? Weren’t you even a little worried she might actually toss you into the sea p>

Keira didn’t say anything.

The truth was, it hadn’t been a rash move.

From their conversation, she’d drawn a few conclusions. Scarlet was straightforward and kind—someone who’d stand her ground. As long as Scarlet was around, Lena wouldn’t dare go too far.

And clearly, Scarlet and Lena were natural enemies. Even though Jodie South was in prison, and the whole family’s reputation had taken a hit, Lena’s aunt was the family head and still didn’t dare go after Scarlet too hard. That said a lot about Scarlet’s family’s standing.

As she was piecing it all together, Scarlet spoke again. “Our branch of the family… we’re a little different from the rest p>

Keira tilted her head. “Different how p>

“We’re the main line. Direct blood p>

Keira blinked. “You mean… like, true heirs p>

Scarlet nodded. “Our ancestors were the first in the family with prophetic abilities. Back in the early days, every family head came from our line. The other branches? They were just raising children to compete, like a selection process. But then, in the 134th generation, our heir lost the match, and someone from a side branch took the lead. Even so, our line has always held a special place in the family p>

Keira was starting to get it now.

Bloodlines and legacy mattered—a lot—in the South family.

But… why?

Scarlet answered before she even asked. “They say our family’s prophetic ability is tied to our blood. The old heads used to be able to predict anything, with no time limits. But ever since the side branch took over, the current head can only make one prophecy every seven days. The power’s weakening, and not because of anything else—it’s the bloodline. It’s diluted. That’s why everyone’s waiting. Waiting for someone from the direct line to take back the title p>

Keira sat there, stunned.

Wait… this whole family really did have blood-based prophetic powers?