In the Wells family villa, everyone was shocked by Destiny's revelation. Initially, they dismissed her claims as nonsense, suspecting Hannah's involvement. No one believed Karen had anything to do with Pamela's death—until Destiny produced a recording.

She retrieved her phone, maximized the volume, and played the conversation with Karen:

“Are you done yet?”

“No, I don’t dare.”

“Pamela is my cat, not yours. What's so hard about killing it? Kill it for me! I want its corpse by morning.”

“Miss Karen, what has Pamela done to deserve this?”

“Do I need to explain my affairs? Do as I say! If you can't, get out of my sight!”

“...Yes.”

“After you kill Pamela, go to the pool via the backyard path by the sunflower tree. There are no cameras there. Be careful.”

“Yes.”

“Inform me afterward. Don't keep me waiting.”

“Yes.”

The recording ended. This was Destiny's last resort, a revelation prompted by fear of Karen and advised by her law-student brother. He confirmed that Northfield's pet rights laws stipulated imprisonment for animal abuse—a little-known fact. The recording, made out of self-preservation, provided Destiny with legal protection and incriminated Karen.

She felt selfish, but saw no other option. Furthermore, she believed a deeper issue existed between Karen and Oscar that needed addressing. It should have been stopped long ago. Destiny tried to alleviate her guilt over betraying Karen.

The hall fell silent. No one could believe Karen, always docile and kind, was capable of such cruelty. She had killed Pamela, her constant companion. The revelation was unbearable; suppressed anger filled the room.

Robert was on the verge of an outburst. He couldn't believe his daughter was capable of such actions. Everyone remained tense, barely containing their emotions.

Then, footsteps sounded on the second-floor stairs. Karen descended, pale-faced. The contrast between the meek woman before them and the vicious voice on the recording was jarring.

Karen’s eyes flickered to Hannah, a reaction she couldn't control. Pamela's death, her sudden illness, and her descent were all calculated moves. To drive Hannah away, she needed to incite conflict and sow discord between Hannah and the Wells family.

Blaming Hannah for Pamela's death was a calculated risk; no one would believe it was truly her fault. They’d assume grief-fueled emotion. But Hannah's inevitable defense would only alienate her further.

Karen had worried Hannah might surrender easily, being known for enduring grievances silently, like Janet. But Hannah's presence confirmed her plan could proceed. “Hannah seems stupider than Janet Burke,” she thought.

Consumed by jealousy since Hannah and Oscar’s wedding, even though she hadn't attended, Karen was stunned by Hannah's beauty. Seeing Hannah, Karen's expression hardened. “Why is she still here…?”

Her vulnerable appearance elicited protective instincts. This was her lifelong shield. She waited for the Wells family’s sympathy and support, having stayed awake since returning from the hospital. She’d allowed Hannah time to defend herself, then timed her appearance to paint Hannah as unforgiving.

This would make breaking up Hannah and Oscar easier. She liked Oscar—a woman's fondness for a man. And she wouldn't allow another woman to have him.