"Did Audrey tell you to say all that?" Danielle sneered, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I’ve got to hand it to you both. You and your dear Audrey are amazing actresses, especially when ites to pretending to be all pure and innocent. You both deserve an award for your performances."


    Skr’s eyes were filled with tears as she looked up at Danielle. "I’m just a lowly servant, not as noble as you, but I’ve worked here at the Darling family for years. How could you nder me like this?"


    "Really?" Danielle raised an eyebrow, her tone growing colder. "You can use people, but I’m not allowed to defend myself, huh?"


    "I’m not ndering anyone, Miss Danielle. I’m just telling the truth. You’re all good people, and I don’t mind the injustices I’ve suffered. But Miss Audrey... she’s been through enough. Please, don’t make her suffer more," Skr said, her voice thick with tears.


    Howard and Vivian exchanged a helpless nce before finally saying, "Let Danielle treat Audrey first." "Sir, Madam, please, let’s send Miss Audrey Darling to the hospital. What if-" Skr hesitated, ncing nervously at Danielle.


    "What? You think Danielle’s going to hurt Audrey while she’s already like this?" Joseph, who hade down the stairs after hearing themotion, spoke up, his tone sharp. He hadn’t said anything until now, but his presence was undeniable.


    "No, no, that’s not what I meant..." Skr stammered, her voice now tinged with regret.


    Among all the young men in the family, Joseph’s presence was the most intimidating. The servants were always wary of him, and now, despite her earlier bravado, Skr looked genuinely afraid.


    "What are you trying to say?" Joseph’s voice was icy, each word sharp like a de. "Since when does the Darling family need to ask a servant for their opinion before making a decision? Or are you telling me you’ve suddenly be more powerful than your masters?"


    "I-I didn’t mean it like that, young master," Skr stammered, her voice shaking. "I just... I’ve seen Miss Audrey Darling suffering sometimes, and I couldn’t stand by and do nothing..."


    p!


    Danielle’s eyes shed coldly. She was done with this performance. Without another word, she pped Skr across the face, the sound sharp and final.


    "You... You-" Skr gasped, her hand flying instinctively to her cheek, too stunned to speak.


    p!


    "You-" Skr started again, but her voice faltered.


    p, p, p!


    Three quick ps and Skr stood there, wide-eyed and silent, too terrified to move.