Chapter 498 Wiles

Everyone gathered around the table for lunch. Karen sat beside Oscar, appearing timid. Hannah, accustomed to Oscar's less-than-pleasant demeanor toward Karen, observed the scene. Across from them, Mary seemed ill-tempered, but upon reflection, she concluded that Karen, being Oscar's younger sister, enjoyed a degree of tolerance from him despite his aversion to physical touch. Mary surmised that their relationship was close. Karen's avoidance of Hannah suggested a strained relationship between them. This realization led Mary to believe that winning Karen's favor might be key to winning Oscar's heart. With this in mind, Mary offered Karen some food, saying kindly, "Karen, eat up. Make yourself at home."

Karen politely accepted the offering. As she began to eat, her face suddenly paled.

"What's wrong?" Mary asked, surprised.

"What kind of meat is it?" Karen inquired.

"Rabbit," Mary replied, "The cook makes excellent rabbit. Here are the legs."

"RABBIT?" Karen exclaimed, her face paling. "Rabbits are so cute! How can you eat them!"

Mary was bewildered, while Hannah smiled subtly. Karen's dramatic reaction was not unexpected.

"Oscar, I'm done. I don't feel like eating anymore!" Karen dramatically declared, pulling on Oscar's hand. "I want to leave."

Oscar appeared embarrassed. Karen then glanced at Miguel and Michelle.

Michelle intervened, "Oh, I didn't know Karen was a rabbit person. Let's have the cook prepare something else for her. What's your favorite food, Karen?"

"Beef and vegetables," Oscar stated, eager to avoid further disruption.

"No problem. I'll have the cook prepare beef soup and vegetables immediately," Michelle assured them.

"Sorry for the trouble, Mum," Karen said.

"It's okay," Michelle replied, leaving the table.

Karen and Oscar departed. Hannah watched them go, then glanced at Mary, whose embarrassed expression was evident. Mary's attempt to curry favor with Karen had backfired spectacularly. She remained silent, attempting to avoid further humiliation.

Shortly, the cook delivered the beef soup to the garden. Mary saw her opportunity. "I'll take this. I upset Karen; I can apologize with the soup."

The cook gave Mary the food. Hannah suppressed laughter, anticipating the unfolding drama.

Mary found Karen and Oscar in a pavilion. She presented the soup, saying, "Karen, here's your beef soup."

"Thank you. I'm sorry for the earlier trouble," Karen said shyly.

"Not at all. It wasn't your fault," Mary responded.

"Oscar, you can go back to lunch. I'm fine here," Karen said thoughtfully.

Oscar returned to the house. Mary, left alone with Karen, became lost in thought.

Karen had long suspected Mary's interest in Oscar. Her sensitivity to those who harbored affections for her brother was acute; she recognized Mary's intentions immediately. She knew Mary aimed to supplant Hannah. This realization fueled Karen's actions.

Smiling sweetly, Karen remarked, "You're so different from Hannah."

"Hmm?" Mary was startled back to attention.

"You care more about me," Karen stated sadly.

Feigning surprise, Mary replied, "How so? Hannah is a nice person. She and Oscar are a sweet couple."

"But she's not nice to me. She knew rabbit meat would upset me, but she didn't tell you. She wanted me to be embarrassed," Karen declared.

"Is there a misunderstanding between you two?" Mary questioned.

"Of course not," Karen asserted. "I can sense when someone is genuinely kind."

Mary's helpless expression confirmed her agreement that Hannah was not kind.

"Aren't you going back for lunch?" Karen asked.

"Almost finished. Let me stay with you. You'll be bored alone," Mary replied smoothly.

"Would you like some soup?" Karen offered.

"Yes, please," Mary responded, receiving a spoon and plate from the cook.

Suddenly, Karen spilled the soup, burning her hand. Mary reacted in alarm, but Karen's cries attracted the attention of everyone inside. Hannah reacted nonchalantly; Oscar showed little urgency, but Lorie, Miguel, and Michelle rushed to the scene.

Michelle reacted with immediate concern upon seeing Karen's burned hand, feeling responsible for the incident. Karen wept.

Mary began to explain the situation, but Karen interrupted, accusing Mary of deliberately spilling the soup.

Mary was stunned by the accusation.

Karen continued, recounting her aversion to rabbit and further explaining her sensitivities, hinting at past trauma and difficulties socializing. Hannah, witnessing Karen's performance, exchanged a knowing glance with Oscar, seemingly confirming her belief that Karen was being manipulative.