Helen was eager to see her favorite singer perform today. After a brief pause, she resignedly suggested, “Forget it, let’s just take the bus.” They headed towards the bus stop together. Soon, they could hear the pattering of raindrops hitting the ground. Quickly, the drizzle turned into a heavy downpour, soaking them just as they reached the bus stop, which offered no shelter, just a lone sign. Seeing Helen drenched, the driver fretted, “Ms. Helen, this rain is too heavy. Why don’t we head back to the company entrance to wait it out?” With no other options and water dripping off her, Helen agreed, trying to cover her head with her hands as they hurried back. Meanwhile, Caroline found herself driving towards the Somerton Villa. Upon seeing the closed gates, she recalled that the villa had been purchased the year she died and was no longer part of the Somertons’ estate. After Edwin sold the family’s original small villa, he purchased an apartment in Waterford Gardens. Realizing she now lived in Waterford Gardens, Caroline drove there and used the passcode from her past life to enter. As soon as she stepped into the living room, she encountered Wren, the maid, emerging from the kitchen and eyeing her sharply. Though Wren was technically a maid, she acted more like an overseer, often bossing Caroline around because she was a distant cousin of Edwin’s wife. In her previous life, Wren had frequently abused her authority, mistreating Caroline, especially when she was ill. Ignoring Wren’s domineering stance, Caroline walked past her towards her room. “Hey! Stop right there! Why are you coming back so late?” Turning slowly, Caroline faced Wren with a calm, chilling smile. Today, Caroline had initially intended to let things slide with the old crone, but seeing that Wren was not going to make it easy, she decided to assert her authority. Wren grew increasingly irritated as Caroline remained silent for an extended period, just staring at her with a peculiar smile. “What’s the matter? Did the cat get your tongue?” Wren snapped. Caroline’s eyes narrowed darkly, “I didn’t quite catch that. Say it again.” With a disdainful sneer, Wren replied, “I’m only trying to help you. Look at the time—you got home so late. When they all return and see dinner isn’t ready, you know how they’ll react. You’re so clueless, no wonder your family looks down on you.” Caroline responded with a nod, “Then I guess I owe you my thanks.” “Absolutely!” Wren responded, folding her arms with a smug look, completely missing Caroline’s sarcasm. Caroline lowered her gaze and quietly rolled up her sleeves, “Well, since I’m so grateful, I’ve got a little something for you, Wren. Come here.” Wren, intrigued and unsuspecting, stepped forward eagerly, ready to inquire about the gift. However, before she could speak, Caroline’s hand swiftly met her face with a sharp slap, causing Wren to reel back, nearly tumbling to the ground. She was genuinely shocked that Caroline, who had always been so meek and submissive in this household, would dare to strike her! Stunned, Wren took a moment to regain her composure, then covered her reddening cheek, glaring at Caroline furiously. “How dare you strike me! Have you lost all sense of decorum?” Caroline sneered, “Decorum? I’m the young lady of this house, and you are merely a servant who dares to act above her station, barking orders as if you run this place.” Wren was taken aback, her mind racing. What is happening? Just a day ago, Caroline had been timid and easily cowed. What had changed overnight to make her so bold and cutting with her words? Searching for leverage, Wren retorted, “Remember, I’m Edwin’s cousin-in-law. He treats me nearly as a mother. I have every right to guide him and certainly to discipline you, an unschooled girl!” “Oh really?” Caroline responded with a faint smile, “Has Edwin ever acknowledged you as a true mother figure or as a member of the Somertons?” Wren’s expression shifted awkwardly, her voice dropping to a low, uncertain murmur, “No.” Caroline looked at her with contempt and scoffed, “Then why do you yap like you’re in charge here?” At that moment, Wren’s face contorted as if she had swallowed something bitter. Having been associated with the Somertons for over a decade, she had never experienced such humiliation at the hands of a young girl as she did today. It was utterly humiliating. “I suggest you remember your place from now on. Next time you see me, don’t just bark ‘hey’ at me. Address me properly as Ms. Caroline.” Caroline’s gaze was icy. “Aren’t my dear brothers due back soon? Why are you still here? Go and start cooking!” Caroline recalled how, during her high school years, Fabian had often complained about Wren’s poor cooking skills. She had used her study breaks to learn various cooking techniques online, eventually taking over the kitchen duties at home after her dishes received the family’s approval. In this new life, she resolved never to cook for them again. Caroline turned and swiftly made her way to her room, leaving no room for further discussion. Wren watched her go, her eyes narrowing vindictively. This was unacceptable! Outrageous! “Just wait!” she muttered. “When they return, I’ll make sure they straighten her out.” After lingering a moment in frustrated thought, Wren finally headed towards the kitchen, but her anger remained. Just then, Helen returned, noticing Wren’s upset demeanor. “Wren, who made you so upset?” “Who else but your aunt?” Wren replied, touching her cheek and casting a resentful glance towards Caroline’s room. “That girl, she really slapped me hard. It still hurts.” “What did you say? Aunt Caroline hit you?” Helen looked at Wren incredulously. The events of the day were already baffling with Caroline defying Liam at the company and then abruptly driving off. She could not believe that Caroline would dare to strike Wren. Historically, Caroline had always been the epitome of compliance at home, forever accommodating and pleasant to everyone, including the maid, without ever showing anger. This day has been too odd. Has she lost her mind? Helen wondered. “Yes, she slapped me so hard my face is nearly swollen … ” Wren began, but then noticed Helen’s drenched appearance and quickly changed the subject, “Ms. Helen, wasn’t there an umbrella in the car? Why are you all wet?” “Don’t even start,” Helen groaned as she recounted her own misfortunes of the day to Wren, including a dismal lunch and then being caught in the rain. “It’s all because of Caroline!” She mentally vowed to exact retribution on Caroline slowly and carefully. Wren’s anger flared again upon hearing Helen’s troubles. “How could Caroline do such a thing? She’s clearly targeting you!” Helen forced a smile, “It’s okay. Aunt Caroline must be out of sorts to act so rashly, but it’s still unacceptable for her to hit you. I apologize for her, Wren, please try not to hold it against her.” Wren exhaled deeply, “Ms. Helen, you can’t keep excusing her behavior. It only encourages her. Today, she treated you badly. Who knows, tomorrow, she might escalate to something worse—like poisoning your food to get rid of you quietly.” Helen’s expression darkened at the mention of poisoning, a chilling thought crossing her mind, “Poison in the food?”