The young Master's little prey

pte

s," Elizabeth's voice, filled with anger but tinged

gnes retorte

ou witch!" However, her bold move was met with a stinging slap from her stepmother, leaving her momentarily

seemingly around Judith's age. "Mum?" he called out, clearly distre

her words were interrupted as the door opposite Elizabeth's room swung open violently, revealing a bal

ifted as he scanned the room for Judith. Ignoring the oppress

ht about what I said to

aged to whisper, disbe

to marry Charles," he blurt

turned to her mother, tears pooling in her eyes. In that instant, her grief overwhelmed her resolve, and s

locking herself away from the chaos. Collapsing on her bed, she allowed her tears to flow freely,

her's callous proposition, and the sense of betrayal that suffocated her. Alone, with only her sorrow, Judith felt lost, trapped between famili

tion where she had apprenticed, she was eager to share her achievement with her mother, hoping to see her smile genuinely. Yet, the troubling people surrounding her continued to in

, Elizabeth stood outside her daughter's room, watching her husband relentlessly pound on the door. Tears she had long suppressed began to flow d

e the house as soon as possible. Today was a significant day for her, and she refused to let her family dampen her spirits. The sky remained dark, signifying it was not yet dawn, and

efore. Quietly, she tiptoed down the corridor to the downstairs area, where a few maids were busily going about their morning rou

she pulled away from the tumultuous environment, she carried with her the hope that the day ahead might finally offer the smile she desperately sought from

urs ahead. She considered calling her best friend, Alice NIMO, but quickly dismissed the idea, knowing Alice would be preoccupied later in the day. R

r's establishment on the city's outskirts. Mama Kate, in her early 50s, had a striking fashion sense that belied he

ight smile, rushing into her open

tended to be rough around the edges, Judith was ladylike and gentle-a complete con

your certificate!" Mama Kate exclaimed, prid

. The elderly voice on the other end responded, "Let me know when he starts acting funny." After the call ended with a beep, the butler remained still, holding the p

s that lingered in the background, casting shadows over Judith's seemingly tranquil morning. For now, she sought solace in the comfort of familiar faces and the thrill of upcoming