Johanna finally felt a sense of triumph. She had endured being treated as a lowly figure, keeping a low profile, hiding her feelings, and watching Archie and Imogen's displays of affection. Countless times, jealousy had driven her to dig her nails into her palms until they bled. But now, she no longer needed to hide. An immense satisfaction filled her; the meek facade was gone, replaced by unabashed arrogance.

"Imogen," she declared, "without your status, do you think a blind, aging woman like you could have made Archie treat you so well? Let me tell you the truth—Archie is mine! We were in love long before he met you! He only pretended to care for you to gain the Russell family's trust and this seal. I'm done pandering to you! Why should you be born into privilege, living above the rest of us? It's time you experienced being trampled on!"

Every word was a testament to her resentment. She could finally speak her mind.

Imogen, finding it absurd, retorted, "When have I wronged you? When your family fell, I never mistreated you. On the contrary, I treated you like family, like a sister! Your clothes, food, living conditions—everything was the best! I never made distinctions. I didn't expect gratitude, yet you feel it wasn't enough? What would be enough? Handing over the entire Russell family?"

Imogen's rant, however, underestimated Johanna and Archie's shamelessness. They brazenly accused and criticized her, retorting, "If we don't look out for ourselves, who will? Is it wrong to seek a better life?"

Imogen's laughter surprised them. She found their twisted logic amazing. A hint of mockery played on her lips as she chose not to argue. Scumbags like them couldn't be reasoned with; people who could be reasoned with wouldn't have acted as they did. They had their justifications; their hearts were rotten, their consciences beyond salvation.

Johanna, emboldened by Imogen's silence, smirked. "Good you've accepted reality. Let's end this quickly!" She nudged Archie, signaling him to kill Imogen. With the Russell siblings gone, Archie would inherit everything.

Archie hesitated, then removed his belt and approached Imogen. In a soothing voice, he said, "Don't be afraid. It'll only take a minute or two. It won't be painful."

Despite seeing through him countless times, Imogen found the situation laughable. A soft chuckle escaped her as a tear rolled down her cheek. "Archie, you have a heart of stone. You sweet-talked and deceived me. Now you want to kill me?"

She stood still, accepting her fate. "Fine. Don't regret this."

"Don't worry, I won't," he replied.

He gently wrapped the belt around her neck, his usually handsome face chillingly sinister. He gradually tightened it, whispering, "You shouldn't blame me for your stupidity."

Johanna watched coldly, a wicked smile playing on her lips. "Don't worry, Ms. Russell. Once you're dead, I'll make sure your son joins you!"

This struck Imogen's deepest nerve.

Archie gave Johanna a helpless glance. "Didn't we agree to wait before dealing with the child? He's still useful. Once we control the family, then—"

He never finished. A knife pierced his chest. In excruciating pain, he looked up into Imogen's icy gaze. Her eyes… she could see again?

Shocked, he recalled her recent unusual behavior. "You can see? When did you regain your sight? You knew!"

His words were strained, his strength failing. He slumped to his knees.

"Yes," Imogen replied, twisting the knife deeper, her eyes never leaving his. Blood splattered her face, yet she smiled. "Archie, you deceived me, so it's only fair I deceive you once. And you shouldn't blame me."

The blow was fatal. Imogen removed the belt, her voice raspy but satisfied. "Turns out your blood is warm, after all. I thought it'd be cold." She laughed.

Johanna screamed, rushing to Archie's side, her voice breaking into sobs. "Archie, don't sleep! Wake up!"

Archie, clinging to his last strength, touched her face. "Don't cry. Go… go find Mr. Carrell. You'll survive…" He closed his eyes, his breath ceasing.

Johanna's mind blanked; her world shattered. Only anguished screams remained. "Archie! Archie!"

Imogen watched quietly. It was a touching sight. Archie's final words were not anger or curses, but concern for Johanna. He was more worried about her than his own death. His final glance was full of affection, reluctance, and love. If he had used lies and schemes on Imogen, his genuine feelings, his true heart, and his love were reserved for Johanna alone.