In the villa's hall, the family doctor gave Oscar some parting instructions. Nancy, a little surprised, remarked, "By the way, Pamela's always been so docile. Why did she suddenly scratch Oscar?"

Venus, equally surprised, replied, "Pets are animals; when uncomfortable, they can act unpredictably." Pamela, she explained, was a gentle cat, much like her daughter's personality—never one to lose her temper.

Nancy warned, "That's true, Mum, but you must remind Karen to be more careful. Oscar can handle the pain, but Karen wouldn't be able to."

Venus sighed, "I didn't ask her to raise the cat, but your sister doesn't have many friends, and playing with Pamela is her biggest hobby. I can't help it." Then, remembering something, she called, "Where's Karen? Cathy, bring her down for lunch."

"Yes, madam," the maid replied, hurrying upstairs.

After a while, the maid returned, saying respectfully, "Madam, Karen isn't feeling well and won't come down for lunch."

Venus, visibly nervous—Karen was the apple of her eye—asked, "What's wrong?"

The maid explained, "Karen feels bad about Pamela attacking Hannah earlier. She's upset and doesn't know how to face Hannah and Oscar."

"Wasn't Oscar injured?" Venus asked, surprised.

Hannah clarified, "Pamela attacked me, but Oscar shielded me."

Venus nodded, quickly comforting Hannah, "I'm so sorry Pamela frightened you."

"No, I feel bad for letting Karen down," Hannah replied.

"It's alright," Venus reassured her. "She's always been sensitive. She'll be fine." She then instructed Cathy, "Prepare some food for Karen and take it to her room. Tell her to eat properly."

"Yes, madam."

"It's getting late. Let's eat," Venus announced.

Everyone moved from the sofa to the dining room. Hannah sat beside Oscar. She sensed someone staring at her and, turning, saw Janet, smiling wickedly, as if amused at Hannah's expense. Hannah felt Janet was plotting something.

The family enjoyed a seemingly normal lunch, unaffected by the earlier incident. Afterward, Venus, still concerned about Karen, went to her room. The others soon followed, retiring to their rooms.

Oscar, refreshed from his morning nap, took Hannah on a tour of the villa. As they strolled across the lawn, Hannah, noticing the Wells family's excessive care for Karen, asked, "How is your sister's health?"

Oscar replied, "She has congenital heart disease."

"Is it serious?" Hannah asked.

"Since she was a child, she's been in ICU countless times. Doctors have said she wouldn't survive, but she always pulled through. Now, her heart is stronger, and if nothing happens, she can live a normal life. But they don't recommend marriage or children."

Hannah sighed. Now she understood Venus's concern. Oscar nodded, seeming reluctant to discuss Karen further. His earlier stoicism regarding the cat scratch made Hannah wonder if he disliked Karen. She chose not to inquire, avoiding interference in family matters.

Continuing their walk, they saw Thomas and Janet, disheveled and embracing under a pavilion, kissing. Hannah was surprised by Thomas's public display of affection.

Oscar's phone rang. He answered, "Theodore..." Hannah only heard him say, "Okay, I'll go there now," before hanging up. He told Hannah, "I have to go out."

With a mischievous grin, he added, "Don't worry, I'm not that horny. Be good, and I'll be back soon."

Hannah remained unfazed. Before leaving, he instructed, "Stay away from Karen." This surprised Hannah; she expected him to warn her about Janet, not Karen.

Once Oscar departed, Hannah started back towards her room. She'd had enough of the lawn and didn't want to intrude on Thomas and Janet. Janet stopped her.

"Hannah," Janet said, approaching. Thomas was gone. "I wanted to talk to you alone. What do you think of Karen?"

Hannah, puzzled, replied, "Hmm?"

Janet stated bluntly, "To thrive here, beware of Karen." This echoed Oscar's warning, though Janet's intentions clearly differed. She continued, "Did you see Thomas and me kissing?"

Hannah calmly replied, "It's normal for couples to be affectionate in public."

Janet's voice sharpened, "What if I tell you I did it for Oscar to see?"

Hannah, sensing provocation, grew serious.