Only Felicia Fuller was present. Imogen, who had recently shown Felicia warmth and sisterly affection, evident to all the Russell household staff, now turned against her instantly.

Stanley looked to Felicia, anticipating a reaction, but her expression remained calm, almost indifferent. It was as if the situation didn't concern her, or she was inured to such treatment.

Stanley braced himself. "Ms. Russell," he began, "the Fuller family matter doesn't involve Mrs. Russell. Even if you're upset, you shouldn't take it out on her."

Imogen's eyes flashed. All warmth vanished, replaced by an imperiousness. "Without my approval, there is no Mrs. Russell in this family!"

"Ms. Russell, please calm down—"

"I am calm! Get her out of here!"

"Ms. Russell, things aren't as they seem. And you still need Mrs. Russell to treat your eyes. Please calm down first," Stanley pleaded, resorting to improvisation.

This only intensified Imogen's anger. "Treat my eyes? I wouldn't accept such kindness!"

Prejudice and hatred, once rooted, festered, distorting every action into malice. Imogen's previous affection had twisted into intense hatred. The thought of her misplaced trust filled her with regret and self-loathing. She berated herself for her blindness.

"One last time," Imogen declared. "Tell Stephan to see me. I don't care where he is or what he's doing. If he doesn't come before tomorrow morning, he can forget about calling me sister."

Imogen dismissed Stanley, and Johanna, with a faint smile, approached Felicia. "You heard her. You're not welcome here. Please leave."

Felicia remained silent, contemplative. From the conversation, she gathered that Imogen's fiancé had died, a map was missing, evidence implicated Dexter, and Stephan had withheld this information. The revelation had caused Imogen's breakdown.

Felicia felt the unfairness of it all. She'd never benefited from the Fuller family, yet suffered constantly because of them. Fortunately, she was accustomed to such treatment.

Before leaving, she offered professional advice. "Ms. Russell, I suspect your condition will worsen sooner than expected. You may deliver this month. Please take care."

"I don't need your false concern!"

Felicia gathered her belongings and left, Mandey following. He attempted to mediate, hoping to ease the tension. "Ms. Russell is a pitiable woman. Lonely and insecure, she relies heavily on Johanna—a reliance no one, not even Mr. Russell, can replace. Her anger is understandable. Please don't take it personally, ma'am."