It’s funny how you see it that way.
Ofcourse she is a villain and a con artist SHE HAS TO since she has to survive. LUCK isn’t on her side she has to work for it even if means twisting and manipulating the story to her advantage to UP her percentage in surviving since the main person is literally using her as well until she bites the dust… and because she was this open and skillful she was able to get them to open up and love her sincerely even though she still doubts the dukes love for her REGARDLESS even though she knows she is being this manipulative she feels bad hurting everyone but she literally said it herself she CANT LET her guard down even for a bit because if she does that is it for her.
Are we really supposed to cheer for Laria? For me she is classic villain and con artist. Its getting more and more hard to look at. She has no remorse, she is selfish and cunning. I also don't get why everyone loves her. It buggles my mind why Duke and Evan do everything for her, yet father/son relationship remains the same as it was. Everything revolves around her and only her. And as for Serena, Laria should take her money back. How can you play doctor without looking like one. No preparation were done to look the part or even to learn basic medical jargon to be more plausible. I'm dropping it.