Chapter 74

Lauren walked toward the villa gate. As she entered, a maid rushed out, colliding with her. Lauren, unable to dodge, was knocked back. Looking up, she saw disgust in the maid's eyes.

Lauren was surprised. She recognized the maid, though she couldn't recall her name. Everyone called her Larry, a long-time servant of the Bennett family. Larry had cared for Aunt Clara and Sally as children, earning the family's respect.

Larry no longer worked for the Bennetts but remained in their employ. Lauren, having recently returned, had only met Larry a few times, and they rarely spoke.

Ignoring Lauren, Larry hurried to the phone. "Drive a car here! Erica is in danger! Quickly!" Sally stepped forward. "What's wrong with Erica?"

Tears streamed down Larry's face, her lips trembling. "She she took an overdose! She committed suicide!"

"What?" Sally was shocked. She hadn't known Erica well, only having a brief conversation that afternoon. Erica had seemed gentle, kind, and considerate. Why would she kill herself?

Larry glared at Lauren. "There's only one reason," she said grimly. "She shouldn't have come back to this family." Though Larry didn't name her, the implication was clear: Lauren was to blame.

Sally was confused. What did Lauren's return have to do with this? Larry explained, "After Erica learned Lauren was back, she worried about Clara. She didn't want them to be embarrassed. Erica was a sensitive girl. So she took the pills."

Lauren remained silent, unsure what to say. How could they blame her? She barely knew Erica.

The Bennett household was in chaos, oblivious to Lauren. Clara rushed to Erica's side, where she lay pale and barely breathing, unconscious. Once the car arrived, Clara, Mr. Bennett, and Sally left. Lauren glanced toward the gate, but Mrs. Bennett blocked her path. "Don't follow," she said coldly. "Erica wouldn't want to see you."

Larry, standing beside Mrs. Bennett, noted Sally's lack of visible distress. Turning to Lauren, she raged, "Erica killed herself because of you, and you show no remorse! How can you be so indifferent? She suffered because of you!"

Thinking of Erica's lifeless form, Larry felt a profound sorrow. Erica, in Larry's eyes, was a wonderful person. Even after years apart, Erica had consistently sent Larry gifts and checked in on her well-being.