Viviane led her to a seemingly ordinary wall in the corner of the room. She pressed a hidden button, and a panel slid open, revealing an elevator. "There's more you need to see."

Nalani followed Viviane into the elevator, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. As the elevator descended, she noticed how well-maintained it was, with elegant but simple designs that spoke of sophistication and care.

The elevator ride was brief, and soon they heard a soft chime as the doors opened. Nalani stepped out, following Viviane down a beautifully adorned hallway. The walls were lined with elegant designs, the interior a perfect blend of sophistication and simplicity.

At the end of the hall stood two grand double doors. Viviane reached into her pocket, producing a key. She inserted it into the lock, and with a click, the doors swung open.

Nalani gasped as she stepped inside. The room was filled with paintings, each one breathtaking in its detail and beauty. She slowly walked around, taking in the artwork. None of the paintings were familiar to her, though they all bore her mother's distinctive style.

Viviane watched Nalani with a knowing smile. "These are the paintings your mother asked me to safekeep," she explained. "I'm sure you don't recognize any of them. She painted these whenever she thought of you or your father and her loved ones. But mostly, these paintings are about you. That's why she never intended to sell them or auction them off."

Nalani moved from painting to painting, marveling at each one. They were all masterpieces, each capturing a moment of love, hope, and dreams. She felt an overwhelming sense of connection to her mother through these works.

In the middle of the room, one painting caught her eye. It depicted a scene from her childhood. Nalani remembered it vividly. She had insisted on going to a party with her mother because she didn't want to be left alone while her father was always working. The painting showed her mother in a beautiful gown, standing on stage, bathed in the spotlight.

"Did my mother paint this too?" Nalani asked, turning to Viviane.

Viviane nodded, smiling. "Yes. Did you know? Your mother didn't like the spotlight much because she felt it made her a different person. She often told me how she felt changed whenever she was under the spotlight, becoming someone the public expected her to be. She feared that this change would make her forget that she is a mother too."

Nalani listened intently as Viviane continued. "That's why she only accepted interviews occasionally and spent most of her time with you rather than with her fellow artists."

After thoroughly exploring the room, Nalani and Viviane sat on a sofa, sipping tea. Nalani was deep in thought when she suddenly remembered something. "Did you also know about Aunt Lydia, my mom's sister?"

Viviane paused, her expression turning serious. She put her cup down and looked at Nalani. "Did you... meet her recently?"

Nalani was taken aback by Viviane's reaction. "How did you know about that?"

Viviane sighed. "Of course, this is inevitable."

She stood up and opened a drawer, retrieving an envelope. Returning to her seat, she handed it to Nalani. "Your mother left this letter for you. It's very important."

Nalani took the envelope, feeling a sense of foreboding. She opened it and began to read:

My dearest Nalani,

I hope you are well, my dear. By the time you read this, you've probably grown into a fine young lady. I had hoped to see you forge your own path and I am sorry for leaving soon, Nalani. But I'm glad your father will be with you there and he'll see it for us. I hope you soar through the skies, my dear.

With all my love,

Mom

Nalani's heart ached as she read her mother's words. Before she could say anything, Viviane handed her another letter.

"This letter... could hurt you, Nalani. I'm just making sure you're prepared before reading it," Viviane warned.

Nalani nodded, her hands shaking as she opened the letter. The contents were shocking:

To Viviane,

If you're reading this, it must be over a month since I passed. I hope this letter does not come as a surprise. You are, after all, the only person I trust after Evangeline.

My sister, Lydia, stayed with me when I was sick. I was happy to see her, thinking she had let go of her hatred towards me. But I knew she was poisoning me with the tea Evangeline always gave me before bed.

I chose to believe she came to take care of me out of love, even though it was too late to stop the poisoning. I'm sorry for burdening you with this. Lydia will not stop until I no longer exist in this world. She will come after Nalani too. Please, keep her safe.

With deep gratitude,

Malina

Nalani's grip on the letter tightened as she read the last lines. Her chest felt constricted, and tears welled up in her eyes. She couldn't hold back her sobs, her cries echoing in the room. Viviane moved closer, offering her a comforting embrace.

Nalani's tears gradually subsided, and she leaned back on the sofa, feeling drained yet strangely relieved. Viviane handed her a tissue, and she wiped her eyes, trying to compose herself.

"I'm so sorry you had to find out this way," Viviane said softly. "Your mother wanted to protect you."

Nalani nodded, her voice trembling. "I can't believe Aunt Lydia would do something like this. I thought she loved us."

Viviane sighed. "Sometimes, people can harbor deep resentments that drive them to do terrible things. But your mother wanted you to know the truth so you could protect yourself."

Nalani took a deep breath, trying to process everything. "What should I do now?"

"First, you need to stay away from Lydia," Viviane advised. 

"If I do, she'll eventually come to me herself and now I realize it makes sense. The first time I met her, she did not seem to be interested in me at all," Nalani said and turned to face Viviane.

"She always asks about my mom's business. The foundation" Nalani added. 

"So that's what she's after. She's planning on killing you to get your mother's money" Viviane said, coming into a conclusion.

"That's not how it works. If what she wants is my mother's money to herself, she would have to kill not only me but also my uncle and practically the whole family that could possibly inherit a share of her assets" Nalani reasoned with what Viviane had said.