Arely snatched the folders from the desk and threw them violently onto the floor. Everyone was shocked. She seemed intent on destroying things. Hattie, ceasing her hesitation, called the police. They arrived quickly. Arely, unprepared for Hattie's action, paled with fear. The police took her to the station, and Hattie accompanied them to give a statement.

That evening, when Gwenda returned to the studio, Hattie recounted the events. Gwenda patted Hattie's shoulder. "Thanks for your hard work," she said. "If she ever comes back, handle it the same way."

"Gwenda," Hattie asked incredulously, "is she really your aunt? Your biological aunt?"

"Yes, biological," Gwenda sneered. "But she's disliked me since childhood—a 'I-wish-you-were-dead' kind of dislike. It's better not to have an aunt like her."

"Damn!" Hattie exclaimed. "She's unbelievable! You wouldn't believe how she screamed at the police station. If they hadn't reprimanded her, she probably would have gone into the street with a megaphone!"

Rubbing her ears, Hattie sighed, "Gosh, my ears are ringing after a whole day of that screeching."

"Okay, I'll treat you to a big meal as compensation. How does that sound?"

"Now you're talking! I didn't spend all day at the police station listening to that racket for nothing."

"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go."

They went out for a celebratory meal.

Meanwhile, Arely, released from the police station, stormed to the Evans family home to complain. However, Pauline was hosting a gathering, and everyone learned of the incident.

"Did Gwenda really do that?" Pauline asked, feigning surprise.

Arely, wiping her tears, cried, "Pauline, Gwenda is out of control! She disrespected and humiliated me! I can't bear it!"

"Alright, alright, calm down," Pauline said, visibly uncomfortable. "I'm sure she didn't mean it."

"How could she not mean it? I heard her employee say she ordered them to call the police…" Arely sobbed. "I've never been so humiliated! What a sin! To have a niece like her…"

"Gwenda's getting more and more insolent!" one of Pauline's friends interjected. "I saw how overbearing she was years ago. I didn't think she'd get worse! Pauline's too kind. If I were her stepmother, I'd have lectured her and brought her to heel! She'd better not cross me like that!"

"That's right. That girl's so arrogant! Pauline, you can't let her get away with this!"

The conversation continued. Pauline looked distressed. "I can't even get her to listen to me; what can I do?"

"You… Oh, for goodness sake, you're infuriating me!" Arely glared. "What's so scary about Gwenda? How can an adult like you not control her?"

"I suffered too," Pauline sobbed. "She doesn't listen to her father, and she hates me, so I dare not interfere. I know you blame me, but I'm at my wit's end! She thinks I'm favoring my daughter, and I feel wronged too…" Tears streamed down her face.

Pauline's friends comforted her. "Arely, stop it. It's not easy being a stepmother. If you want to blame someone, blame Gwenda. She must take after her mother—otherwise, how could she be so rude?"

"That's right. It's not Pauline's fault."

Arely bristled. "Ugh, forget it. You're not tough enough. Since you can't control Gwenda, I will! I won't let her get away with this. I'll get my revenge!" She stood up. "I'm going, Pauline. Don't worry about this."

"Alright," Pauline nodded, watching Arely go.

Later, a friend patted Pauline's shoulder. "Your sister-in-law's right. Don't worry about a child like Gwenda. But I feel sorry for you. You raised that brat for ten years, and she's an ingrate!"

"She's more than an ingrate—she's abnormal! Such a heartless thing. I'd better not get my hands on her, or I'll tear her a new one!"