Chapter 2

After sending out the package, Elsie tossed the freshly sorted items into the trash bin. The jewelry, handbags, and gifts from Frederick, Harlem, and Jordan, along with the videos and photos they had taken together over the years, and even the suits she had designed for them herself were all discarded—symbolizing the end of an era. In this life, Elsie was determined not to repeat her past mistakes.

She focused solely on preparing for her wedding, letting everything else fade into the background. After several busy days spent selecting her wedding gown and accessories, she returned home to find Frederick, Harlem, and Jordan fussing over Greta. One was adjusting the thermostat, another was carefully cooling down some medicine, and the third was draping a blanket over her, all showing concern and attentiveness. Seeing Greta being treated like royalty, Elsie felt a touch of irony.

Their affection was so evident, yet how had she overlooked it before? Her heart was a tangled mess of emotions, heavy and sour. Lost in thought, Greta saw her and sprang up like a startled bird, respect and fear etched on her face.

"Miss, you're back. I'll set up a bath and dinner for you right away."

Just as she was about to move, Frederick held her in place.

"Greta's still recovering, and we have staff for these things. Elsie, let others handle these minor tasks."

Harlem and Jordan chimed in, "Considering Greta's injuries, Elsie, let her rest and recover properly."

"If we're really short-handed, we can hire more help. There's no need to overwork Greta."

Elsie hadn't said a single word since entering, and yet she had already been judged. She took a deep breath, her gaze steady. "I know she's merely the daughter of our family's manager, not our servant, and I've never forced her to do anything. Since you're all so concerned about her, why not take her to your homes, where you can look after her daily, without fear?"

Greta's eyes widened, and she dropped to her knees, knocking her head repeatedly on the floor.

"Miss, it's my fault. I shouldn't have slacked off while sick. Please don't drive my dad and me away. I'll get started on the housework immediately."

Her forehead turned red from the impact, and she cried sorrowfully, looking severely wronged. Seeing her tears, Frederick, Harlem, and Jordan's expressions darkened. They hurried to lift her and shield her, an implicit anger in their voices.

"Greta hasn't done anything wrong; you're unjustly trying to kick her out? Why are you bullying her?"

"She's injured yet still offers to prepare your bath and dinner. If you don't care about her health, fine, but do you have to force her away? Have you no compassion?"

"Because of you, she's suffering more, and now she'll endure discomfort silently. If anything happens, will you be satisfied?"

Watching their protective stance, Elsie's expression gradually cooled.

"All I did was suggest that you could take her away; that's considered bullying? In your eyes, am I so arrogant, unreasonable, and harsh that no matter what grievance she suffers, it's always blamed on me?"

Her relentless questioning silenced the entire room. Faced with their stunned and speechless expressions, Elsie felt a deep sense of helplessness wash over her. She had no desire to speak further and retreated to her bedroom.

Just as her emotions calmed, Greta appeared with a cup of coffee, knocking quietly, her face timid.

"I'm sorry, Miss. Please don't be angry with the gentlemen. They were just too concerned for me, which is why they spoke rashly. It's my fault for causing you to argue with them; please blame me."

Elsie knew Greta was feigning innocence, trying to provoke her deliberately, so she didn't engage.

"Leave the coffee, and get out."

Greta seemed even more aggrieved but dared not say more. She deliberately fumbled, knocking over the coffee.

The scalding liquid splattered onto Elsie's skin, reddening and blistering it. She stifled a groan, shoving away Greta, who tried to clean up with a tissue.

Greta fell back dramatically, hitting her head on the table, leaving a bloody gash. Her piercing screams instantly echoed throughout the house.

Before Elsie fully grasped what had happened, Frederick, Harlem, and Jordan burst through the door. Seeing Greta bleeding and collapsed, panic ensued. Harlem roughly shoved Elsie aside, Frederick rushed to lift Greta, while Jordan pressed her wound to stop the bleeding.

They hurriedly carried Greta away, ignoring Elsie, who had collided with a glass display case. Shattered glass lay scattered, slicing into her skin, leaving red trails.

Blood stained her clothes, her face contorted in pain as her body trembled uncontrollably. Watching them disappear from sight, Elsie couldn't hold back anymore, her tears spilling over.

Her heart ached unbearably, biting her lip to stifle any sound, leaving only one thought in her mind: She had to leave this world behind and never cross paths with them again.