Johanna felt Stanley wasn't just scolding the others; he was indirectly mocking her! That damned bastard was ruining her plans again! She sneered coldly. "Stanley, you dare defy Imogen's orders? Don't forget you're just a dog the Russell family hired. And now, you're disobeying your master to defend an outsider?"

Though her words were harsh, Stanley didn't flinch. He chuckled nonchalantly. "I'm not the Russell family's dog. I'm Mr. Russell's personal dog, and his order was to protect Mrs. Russell. That's the only order I'll follow."

Turning to the other subordinates, he barked, "Stand down!" Without hesitation, they retreated. It wasn't that they lacked respect for Imogen, but Stanley, as Stephan's trusted aide, represented his will. The moment he addressed Felicia as Mrs. Russell, no one dared lay a finger on her. They were, first and foremost, Stephan's subordinates.

"Fine! Perfect! This is just great!" Johanna sneered, glaring at Stanley. "You'd better not regret this!"

Stanley shook his head, remaining silent. Johanna shot Felicia a vicious glare before turning and leaving.

Felicia calmly stowed her silver needles. She possessed a variety of defensive poisons, and while she didn't mind using them, she found the situation exasperating. She rubbed her temples. "What's with Ms. Russell? One minute, she's fine; the next, she's flipping out and sending people to tie me up. There's got to be a reason, right?"

Stanley scratched his head, equally clueless. "How about this, ma'am? You head back to your room, and I'll investigate."

"No need. Let's go together and save some time."

"That works too."

They headed toward Imogen's room. As they arrived, they heard objects smashing inside. Moments later, Johanna emerged, clearly having just made her report. Seeing Felicia, Johanna's expression shifted to wariness mixed with provocation. "What are you doing here? You're not welcome!"

Imogen, though blind, wasn't deaf. She immediately turned toward the commotion. Her usual gentleness was replaced by unbridled fury.

Stanley, trailing behind Felicia, hesitated. "Ms. Russell, is there a misunderstanding?"

Imogen grabbed a pillow and hurled it at him. "You're just in time! Stanley, tell me, does the person who killed Archie go by the last name Fuller?"

Stanley's expression darkened. He glanced at Johanna, realizing she had told Imogen everything despite Stephan's warnings. "Ms. Russell, please hear me out. The current evidence may point that way, but there are unverified doubts! Mr. Russell suspects someone is misleading us. He's still investigating, which is why he hasn't told you yet!"

Imogen's bitter laughter revealed her disbelief. Avenging Archie was her sole focus. Clues had emerged, only to be concealed, mocking her blindness. The cruelty was unbearable. They wanted her not only blind but dead. Even when she, in rage, ordered the murderer's daughter brought before her, no subordinate obeyed. The suffocating darkness, isolation, and helplessness were crushing her.

"Tell Stephan to come see me! I want him to say it to my face!" she cried, wiping away tears. Her voice icy, she commanded, "All of you, get out right now! Especially that Fuller family member! Get out! Now!!"