Yvette shook her head pitifully, her eyes brimming with tears as she looked at me. “I’m fine. But Lauren seems upset. Did I do something wrong? I shouldn’t have complained about the pain. I’m sorry, Lauren.”
Jameson finally turned his gaze to me, filled with irritation and disgust. “Lauren, if you can’t behave during the New Year, get out. Stop ruining everyone’s mood.”
Yvette chimed in with feigned kindness. “James, Lauren accidentally spilled soup on herself. Her clothes are dirty, and sending her out like this would embarrass the Hall family. Why not let her change before leaving?”
Her tone was filled with concern, but the subtle superiority in her words made it clear she saw herself as the true mistress of the Hall family.
Moments later, perceptive servants led me to a room.
The instant we entered, they began pulling at my clothes. I resisted, but my struggles only left my garments disheveled, exposing large swathes of skin.
Suddenly, the lights dimmed.
I turned instinctively toward the source of the change, only to be blinded by a flash.
Click!
It was Yvette with a camera, a triumphant smile on her lips.