"Those people were indeed sent by Eric. He wanted to scare you, but unfortunately your uncle overheard it. He immediately encouraged me to bribe those people and make them act for real. I was confused at the time and thought that if Eric's reputation was ruined, I wouldn't have to endure his insults anymore, so I reluctantly agreed..."

Karen finished speaking with a pitiful expression, gently touching Stella's face.

"I'm really sorry, Stella. I wasn't thinking clearly at the time. Eric deceived ...