“Queena, you..... why would you do this?" Teresa stared at her, utterly bewildered.


    Jeffrey''s gaze, for once, was cold. “Was it fun, Queena? Making a fool of your entire family?"


    Only George continued to defend the girl who was not his biological daughter. "That''s enough. Queena''s wrist is still bleeding. Stop yelling at her."


    But Jeffrey didn''t rush to her side with a first-aid kit as he normally would. His pride wounded by the deception, he simply turned and walked out of the room.


    Teresa looked utterly defeated. She instructed a maid to fetch a medical kit but didn''t offer Queena another word offort before leaving as well.


    "Next time, Queena, you shouldmit to the part," Yvonne said, grabbing Queena''s injured arm. "A sympathy y only works if you''re willing to actually hurt yourself.” She leaned in closer. "But whether you live or die, you will eventually pay back what you owe me."


    There was something so terrifying in Yvonne''s eyes that Queena began to struggle. "Let go of me, Yvonne! You''re hurting me!"


    She thrashed around in the tub of cold, bloody water, a pathetic, sodden mess. A ssh of the foul-smelling water hit Yvonne, and she recoiled in disgust. Shoving Queena''s arm away, she turned and left the bathroom.


    Back in her room, Yvonne took a quick, hot shower and changed into a clean set of pajamas. Then, she went downstairs to the dining room for dinner.


    Only Teresa and Jeffrey were there. Joseph sat beside his mother, his head bowed, looking uncharacteristically meek. Yvonne took a seat across from them and scanned the dishes on the table. The main course was seafood again, clearly prepared for Queena.


    "I didn''t know you wereing back today, Yvonne," Teresa said awkwardly. "If there''s something you''d like to eat, just let me know, and I''ll have the maids prepare it tomorrow."


    Yvonne pursed her lips. Aside from the seafood, there were also sweet and sour ribs, beef meatballs, and a stir-fry of seasonal vegetables, all of which looked appetizing enough.


    "Are we waiting for everyone to arrive before we start?" she asked.


    A fresh wave of embarrassment washed over Teresa and Jeffrey. "Your father took Queena to the hospital. We can start without them."


    "That little scratch on her wrist? It''ll probably be healed by the time they get there. Yvonne scoffed, picking up her fork. The Spencer family certainly has a ir for wasting medical resources." ''


    Jeffrey''s face flushed, but he was too stunned to reply.


    As she began to eat, Yvonne added casually, "George certainly seems to care a lot about his adopted daughter. You don''t think there''s something going on between them, do you?"


    "Yvonne, don''t say such things,"


    Teresa snapped, though her voicecked conviction and her face was pale "We''ve watched Queena grow up. Your father loves her like his own daughter, so of course he''s concerned."


    She took a few distracted bites of her food before setting down her utensils. "You


    two go ahead. I need to step out for a bit."


    Teresa left in a hurry, likely heading to the hospital to keep an eye on cher husband and his precious charge. Jeffrey, too, had lost his appetite. After a few bites, he excused himself and went to his room. Content”


    Soon, only Yvonne and Joseph were left at the table.


    Joseph stared at Yvonne over the rim of his small bowl, his eyes wide.


    "What are you looking at? Eat your dinner. Do you want another beating?" Yvonne raised an eyebrow.


    Terrified of her, Joseph immediately lowered his head and began shoveling food into his mouth without another peep.


    After dinner, Yvonne sauntered out of the dining room and headed upstairs, passing Jeffrey, who was rushing down with his jacket in hand.