Macey looked worried. "Licia, try to get along with your classmates," she advised. "Avoid conflicts as much as possible. I'm just an old woman; I can't help you. I'm afraid you'll be bullied and have no one to support you."

Felicia said seriously, "Nana, they're targeting me not because I did anything wrong, but because of their own biases. They see me as a thorn in their side." No matter what she did, those who disliked her would continue to target her; they found her troublesome. It wasn't her fault; it was their prejudice.

Felicia raised an eyebrow. "Nana, you taught me this."

Macey sighed, feeling a mix of pride and concern. Felicia was well-taught, deserving of pampering. Yet...

"Alright, Nana, don't worry," Felicia said, blinking and smiling innocently. "Not everyone is like you, who can see how outstanding and adorable I am!"

Macey laughed.

A burnt smell wafted from the kitchen.

Felicia's expression changed. "Oh no, my fish filets!"

They rushed to the kitchen. Felicia frantically fought the fire on the hearth while Macey salvaged the fish. In the smoke-filled kitchen, they didn't notice Arnold outside. He had witnessed everything. Several times he'd wanted to help Felicia, but his feet felt rooted. He didn't want Felicia to succeed, yet his feelings grew complicated when she was truly in distress. Then, he heard Felicia's words: "They nitpick because that thorn is in their own eyes."

Was his animosity toward Felicia also due to his own biases? No. He dismissed the thought. From the moment they met, he sensed contempt and hatred in her eyes. She had provoked him first.

The fish filets were a complete failure—burned and stuck to the pot. Felicia pouted. "Nana... I'm so hungry..."

"Oh dear, there's no fish left. How about this? Tomorrow, I'll have Mr. Todd set more traps in the river. We'll catch a big batch, and I'll fry you a huge pot! You can eat your heart out!"

"Okay!" Felicia nodded obediently.

After Macey washed the pot, she prepared other dishes. Just as she was about to serve, she remembered something and slapped her thigh. "Licia, did we forget someone? The guest who said he'd eat with us?"

Arnold?

Felicia shrugged dismissively. "He must've left already. It's better that way."

Macey lightly tapped Felicia's head. "You silly goose! Don't you know proper hostess manners? Go look for him. He shouldn't have gone far."

Felicia wanted to refuse but surrendered under Macey's gaze. "Alright, Nana. I'll go right now."

Not far from Macey's house, several people loomed menacingly at an alley entrance, led by Olivia, preparing to confront Felicia. Earlier, Felicia had scared her off with hot tongs. Now, Olivia had gathered lackeys for revenge. She wondered if Felicia dared confront her again.

However, they were stopped. Olivia was taken aback.

"Mr. Lawson, what are you doing here? What does this mean? Why are you standing in our way?"