The Kinney incident was merely an interlude for Gwenda. However, her reputation inexplicably changed after the birthday feast. Rumors of her bullying her stepmother and aunt vanished. Instead, everyone lauded her for saving young Mr. Kinney. This made Pauline anxious. She'd spent over ten years subtly undermining Gwenda's reputation, yet one incident reversed it all. At a gathering, she was about to mention Gwenda's altercation with Benson when a friend immediately dismissed her. "Honestly, Pauline," she said, "you're the stepmother. If you can tolerate some things, just try to. Otherwise, people might think you're mistreating your husband's child."

Pauline's carefully cultivated sadness faltered. "You know me best," she protested. "I treat that girl better than my own daughter. Besides, I haven't said anything. I just think it's a shame she turned out this way"

"Let's change the subject," her friend interrupted. "It's inappropriate to talk about Gwenda now. Mrs. Kinney constantly praises her. Mentioning this might make you seem spiteful."

Pauline, speechless, felt her anger simmer. She couldn't express it or suppress it.

"Let's talk about the latest bags," her friend suggested. "I'm planning a trip to order some"

The subject was successfully changed. Pauline's face burned with anger. She felt a suffocating discomfort.

That evening, when Gretchen returned from work, Pauline went upstairs with desserts.

"How was work?" she asked.

"Not bad," Gretchen replied. "Dad found a teacher for me. Soon, I'll record my songs, finish production, and release them. Then we'll promote them. I'm sure I'll become popular quickly."

Gretchen's hope was palpable. Pauline was pleased. "I can only rely on you now, Gretchen. You must work hard."

"I will, Mum," Gretchen promised, smiling. "I'll definitely do better than Gwenda!"

Pauline's mood soured. "Please don't mention her."

"What's wrong?" Gretchen asked.

"That stupid brat!" Pauline fumed. "She ruined my plans by ingratiating herself with the Kinneys! Now her reputation is spotless, and it's infuriating!" She gritted her teeth, her face hard. "We were careless. We never anticipated she'd be so difficult to handle after her change of image."

Gretchen's face hardened. "But that doesn't matter! I'll defeat her!" She planned to retaliate once she gained popularity after her debut.

"My wonderful daughter, I believe in you! You'll be better than that brat!" Pauline encouraged.

"Of course!" Gretchen nodded confidently.

"Don't stay up late," Pauline said. "Shower and go to bed. Sleep well."

"Okay, Mum. You too."

"Alright."

Pauline left Gretchen's room and entered the master bedroom, where Benson sat on the sofa, having finished his social engagements.

"Benson, you're back," Pauline said virtuously. "I'll make you some tea."

"Forget it," Benson said. "Come sit with me for a while." He patted the space beside him.

Pauline's eyes flickered as she sat beside him. "What's wrong? Did you drink too much?"

"No, I'm just tired," Benson replied, leaning on her lap and closing his eyes. "I met some old classmates at a restaurant today."

"Oh?" Pauline casually massaged his temples. "What did you talk about?"

"They mentioned Gwenda." Pauline's movements faltered before resuming. "And? What else did they say?"