@Arakuei One major difference is that in Hourglass I find Aria's brand of villainy to be much pettier; ie. mostly improving her station while sniping back at Mielle. Not to mention she has a more superior position since Mielle is...less smart and experienced.
In Shadow, Elena is playing a much more dangerous game. The Duke's cronies are a smart, ruthless bunch willing to kill if needed, and 1 wrong move making Leabric doubt her usefulness could end in Elena's swift death. Plus Elena's motivated by righteous revenge.
Okay, so the cousin was looking at her neck when he realized she's a fake - in the other timeline. So I just hope the dress she gets will cover her neck.
Maybe it was a birthmark or something? Who knows.
@sylvacoer
It's actually called "malicious compliance" there is a whole genre of subreddit and audio video dedicated to these kind of stories.
There is nothing better than complying maliciously when you know this will blow up in the face of the requester.