Everyone was completely shocked by Hannah's words. Getting to the core of the matter, Hannah, the biggest victim, was now defending Karen.

"Dad," Hannah said, enduring the pain in her back. The pain was real, and Robert didn't hesitate, even though she was his daughter.

She continued, "We were all kind-hearted at birth. It's not entirely Karen's fault. We haven't shown her enough concern, and our parenting has been flawed. Could it be we never understood her true desires? I don't think Karen is the only one who needs to reflect."

Her speech left Robert speechless.

"Mum, you've sacrificed much for Karen and love her deeply. But have you considered what Karen wants? Karen said everyone could have fun and be themselves except her. Have we been too protective, hindering her independent growth? This could be the root of her current behavior."

Venus was speechless. Had she pampered her daughter too much? Had she been ignorant of Karen's needs? Hannah's words prompted her to reflect on her treatment of Karen and her role in her daughter's life.

"Karen has suffered greatly because of her body. Would inflicting more damage help? We should focus on helping her become a normal, sane person, not increasing her resentment towards us," Hannah said sincerely.

Her speech moved everyone. Even Janet, always antagonistic towards Hannah, began to respect her. Hannah had not only exposed Karen's flaws but also positioned herself as righteous and just. She had won brilliantly.

Janet recalled years of bullying, the depression and silent suffering. She gritted her teeth, trying to remain unnoticed.

Karen hadn't expected Hannah to intervene. Everyone else remained bystanders, yet Hannah, whom Karen hated most, had spoken up for her. Karen wouldn't accept Hannah's goodwill, nor did she want others to admire Hannah.

As Karen moved to rebuff Hannah, Hannah whispered a warning: "If you want Dad to punish you further, continue digging your own grave."

Onlookers interpreted the whispered words as consolation. Karen, however, felt threatened. She knew that retaliating against Hannah's kindness would end her family's tolerance. She would face severe consequences.

Gritting her teeth, Karen hadn't anticipated Hannah's ruthlessness. Knowing Hannah's actions were partly motivated by strengthening ties with the Wells family and gaining Oscar and her parents' favor, Karen was powerless to stop her. She was hateful, yet helpless.

"Karen, apologize to Dad and Mum," Hannah urged gently.

Hannah, once the recipient of everyone's negativity, now appeared the bigger person, responding to hatred with kindness. Karen envisioned Hannah's elevated status within the family, her parents' future favoritism.

Frustrated, Karen, under pressure, apologized: "I'm sorry, Dad, Mum. I'm wrong for disappointing you."

Robert's anger had subsided. Hannah's words had brought him enlightenment. "Why apologize to me? You hurt Hannah, not me. Apologize to her."

Reluctantly, Karen turned to Hannah, who wore a sly smile. Karen forced out, "I'm sorry, Hannah. I won't hurt you again. I won't… love Oscar anymore."

"It's fine," Hannah replied generously. "I know you misunderstood your feelings for Oscar due to a lack of friends. You'll understand when you meet other people."

Karen lowered her head and nodded, feeling her strength drain. She collapsed, Hannah catching her.

Venus, despite her anger and disappointment, couldn't suppress her sympathy. "Karen…" she gazed at her worriedly.

"Mum, can I rest?" Karen was once again frail and vulnerable.

"Someone take her to her room."

Maids assisted Karen upstairs. Her departure lightened the mood.

"Hannah, you need to treat your back," Nancy said concernedly, reminding everyone of Hannah's whipping.

"Hannah, Dad used too much force. Go to your room, let Oscar tend to your wounds, or we'll send you to the hospital," Robert said, guilt evident.

"It's alright, Dad. I can manage the pain," Hannah forced a smile, consoling him, which only increased his guilt.

"I want to discuss Destiny before I go," Hannah stated.

Doubt clouded their faces.

"Regardless of Karen's actions, Destiny's behavior was unacceptable. Besides potential punishment, Destiny might not be able to face Karen. I propose she leave."

Robert agreed. "I'll compensate her and allow her to leave."

"Destiny has been a maid since childhood, lacking other skills. Knowing her family's situation, I plan to hire her for my parents' house," Hannah explained.

"That's ideal," Robert agreed, impressed by Hannah's resourcefulness.