The Fall of the House of Usher: Who is Verna and why is she important?

In the episode "The Black Cat" of The Fall of the House of Usher, there are multiple storylines intertwined. The most significant story takes place in the past and focuses on Roderick Usher and his involvement with Fortunato Pharmaceuticals. Roderick discovers that his signature has been forged on papers related to problematic clinical trials. Initially, he confronts his boss, Mr. Griswold, but is convinced to let it slide and continue supporting the company's goals. This decision puts Roderick in a compromising position, as his wife Annabel and his sister Madeline urge him to do the right thing and expose the company's corruption. Madeline sees this as an opportunity to take control of Fortunato Pharmaceuticals, which she believes is rightfully theirs.Simultaneously, in the present timeline, the Usher family is dealing with the aftermath of Camille's death. Roderick becomes suspicious of Victorine's experiment and suspects it played a role in Camille's demise. Victorine diverts his attention by assuring him that a heart mesh is ready for human trials. Roderick, who is suffering from vascular dementia, becomes excited about this news and momentarily forgets the circumstances of Camille's death. However, the heart mesh's potential risks and Victorine's decision to proceed with the trials against Dr. Alessandra Ruiz's advice raise concerns.An intriguing character named Verna also emerges in this episode. She is connected to various characters' plots, and her presence raises suspicion. Tamerlane notices her during her husband's fitness live streams, and Roderick and Madeline are reintroduced to her after Arthur Pym provides them with footage of Verna at the laboratory's front desk on the night of Camille's death. Madeline attempts to revisit the bar where they first met Verna but finds it closed with ominous signs.Additionally, the episode explores the downward spiral of Leo, one of the Usher siblings. Leo wakes up after a night of intoxication and drugs to discover that he accidentally killed his boyfriend's cat, Pluto. He tries to replace the cat at Verna's pet shelter, but the new cat exhibits aggressive behavior. Leo becomes paranoid and insists that the cat is living inside the walls. His descent into madness culminates in his death as he falls while chasing the cat. The twist comes after his death when the real Pluto is found alive, suggesting that Leo's perception of the cat's malevolence was a product of his own mind.Overall, Verna's importance lies in her mysterious connections to various characters and the suspicion surrounding her involvement in critical events. Her presence raises questions about her true motives and the secrets she may hold. As the story continues, it remains to be seen how her character will unfold and impact the Usher family and Fortunato Pharmaceuticals.