Felicia smiled, remaining silent. Of course, she wasn't worried; someone else was far more anxious.
In a luxurious Khogend apartment, Kayla seethed. She snatched a cup from the table and hurled it at the television, the screen displaying news of the upcoming engagement party. The Lawson family, one of Khogend's four most prestigious, were to ally with the Fuller family, the city's wealthiest. Matthew, sparing no expense, had rented the most extravagant venue; its construction alone cost millions. From a distance, it resembled a castle; inside, it was breathtakingly beautiful.
Heโd reserved the entire venue for the celebration, inviting prestigious families, high society, and major media outlets. A thousand-drone performance and citywide fireworks display were plannedโa spectacle sure to be the envy of all. But Kayla believed Felicia didn't deserve it; she should have been in Felicia's place.
Infuriated, Kayla smashed things, breaking two manicured nails in the process. Once her rage subsided and the room lay in ruins, she shouted at the nearby maid, "Are you blind? Clean this mess up!"
Myra, the maid's employer, had assigned her to Kayla, fearing she might struggle after being expelled from the family. However, Kayla's temper had only worsened. She treated the maids with disdain, barking orders and, when angered, throwing things or hurling insults. The maids, fearing retaliation, cleaned the wreckage silently.
Once the room was tidy, Kayla declared, "All of you, get lost. I don't need you tonight."
"Yes, Ms. Fuller," the maids replied.
Alone, Kayla called Arnold, her voice soft and shaky, tinged with tears. "Arnie, I'm not feeling well. Could you take me to the hospital?"
Arnold rushed to leave, but Matthew stopped him. "The engagement banquet is tomorrow. The whole city will be watching. Why aren't you staying home?"
"Grandpa," Arnold hesitated, "There's something I need to handle at the company. I'll be back soon."
Matthew's expression softened. Arnold's competence in managing company affairs pleased him. "Go, but be back early."
"Yes, Grandpa. You should get some rest," Arnold replied, departing.
By 10:30 pm, he arrived at Kayla's opulent apartment, worried about her condition. He didn't ring the doorbell; he knocked loudly. Receiving no answer, anxiety mounted. He tried the handle; the door was unlocked.
"Kayla? Where are you?"
Entering, he found the apartment vast, floor-to-ceiling windows framing a stunning river view. He called her name repeatedly, finding no sign of her. Just as he approached the bedroom, the bathroom door opened, revealing Kayla, barefoot, in a delicate, sheer gown.