"It malfunctioned a long time ago; you only found out now," August answered offhandedly.

"She seems seriously ill," Macie frowned. "Back then, she was cocky and rude whenever she saw me. How could she be so respectful now?"

"She's changed for the better."

"Really?" Macie was full of doubts. "Then why are people still gossiping about her?"

"It's all just rumors." August smiled, attending to arriving guests.

"Rumors? They seem plausible. I heard her aunt was taken to the police station because of her bullying. That can't be a rumor, right?"

"Mum!" August cut her off, giving her a stern look. "Don't say anything about this in front of Grandmother. She doesn't like to hear about it." He warned, "Oh, come on, I'm just curious. I'm not stupid enough to talk about it in front of Granny."

"It's best you don't. Whatever Gwenda's accused of, it's not true. Even if it were, it's their fault, not Gwenda's. Remember that."

August, wanting to drop the subject, led the guests inside.

Seeing this, Macie pursed her lips and muttered, "When did this kid start defending Gwenda Evans?"

In the hall, Gwenda approached Suzanne, guided by a maid.

"Grandma."

"Oh, you're here," Suzanne took her hand. "You're early tonight. Sit with me later."

"Okay," Gwenda nodded with a smile.

Nearby, several women chatting with Suzanne gave Gwenda disdainful looks. They gossiped the moment Suzanne left with Gwenda:

"I heard Gwenda was subversive, sending her own aunt to the police station. The aunt went home and cried. How terrible!"

"Gwenda's known for her overbearing attitude. I didn't expect she'd even treat her own kin that way."

"Exactly. She's always been overbearing. Cruel to her aunt, cruel to her stepmother—that wonderful woman who loved her like her own daughter."

"If it were me, I'd have kicked that ingrate out!"

"Right. Her stepmother's a good person. She treats Gwenda better than her own daughter! Who knew Gwenda would be such a bitch? She doesn't appreciate a thing her stepmother's done for her."

"She'd better not fall into my hands! I can't stand heartless people like her!"

The speaker was Piper Kinney (née Cameron), wife of Mr. Kinney, and a close friend of the Reeds. Piper was known in their social circle for being straightforward, loyal, kind, and forthright. Her comment suggested Gwenda was in for a rough time. Everyone anticipated a confrontation.

The maid informed Suzanne that Benson and Pauline Evans had arrived. Suzanne's face darkened. "Benson's one thing, but Pauline? Is he trying to disgust me?"

"Grandma, please calm down," Gwenda squeezed her arm. "It's your big day. Don't get upset over these irrelevant people."

"It's still disgusting!" Suzanne frowned.

Gwenda smiled faintly, saying nothing.

Benson and Pauline entered, stopping upon seeing Suzanne. Benson said respectfully, "Happy birthday, Mother. I wish you good fortune and a long life."

"Thank you," Suzanne nodded.

Pauline smiled, "I wish you a healthy and long life, ma'am."

"Thanks," Suzanne replied coldly.

An awkward expression crossed Pauline's face; she looked down, hurt, her grip on Benson's arm tightening. Benson patted her hand, then said, "Mother, I heard you haven't been sleeping well. I had someone bring back a massage chair from abroad. If you're tired, you can relax with it."

"That's very kind of you," Suzanne remained nonchalant.

After some awkward conversation, the housekeeper announced something, and Suzanne decided to leave. Before going, she glanced at Gwenda: "Gwenda, come with me."

Gwenda knew Suzanne was worried about a conflict with Benson and was giving her an excuse to leave. However, Gwenda had other plans. "I'll look for August later. You go ahead."

"Then don't wander off. Come back and sit next to me when the feast begins," Suzanne reminded her.

"Got it," Gwenda nodded.

Suzanne left. Gwenda was about to leave when Benson called, "Gwenda!"

This cleaned-up version improves grammar, punctuation, and flow, making the passage more readable. It also addresses inconsistencies in tense and phrasing.