Anna's father’s spinal cord transplant surgery went well. Anna stayed at the hospital for two days, never leaving her father’s side, with Matthew constantly nearby.

“Are you ready to return to the Mansion?” Matthew asked as he saw Anna step out of her father’s room.

Anna sighed, sadness clouding her face.

“My dad hasn’t woken up yet. I feel so guilty leaving him…” she muttered, staring at the floor.

Matthew paused before answering. “There’s a nurse to take care of him. And when it’s time for him to go home, I’ll be the one to pick him up,” he said, trying to reassure her.

“But…” Anna still didn’t move. She felt guilty about leaving her father alone.

“Anna, you’ll be in trouble if Rebecca gets angry. Go back to the mansion and come here another time. If you act nice, maybe Rebecca will allow it. She may be cold-hearted, but she’s still human,” Matthew said firmly.

Anna finally looked up and met his eyes. “You’re right. Besides, I don't want to put you in trouble. Okay… I’ll talk to the doctor and nurse for a bit. Just wait here.” She turned down the quiet corridor, her heart aching at the thought of leaving her unconscious father behind, but again, she has no choice.

***

Matthew’s car stopped at the Mansion’s side door. Anna stepped out, then bent to look back at him through the open window.

“Matthew, I know you’re just doing your job, but it really helps. Thank you so much!” she said sincerely.

Matthew’s face and ears flushed red. Too nervous to speak, he only managed a faint smile.

“Go on! It’s cold out there!” he urged when Anna lingered.

She nodded and turned around, almost screaming when she found Daniel standing silently behind her.

“What’s wrong?” Daniel asked in his usual stiff tone.

Anna grimaced, nodding awkwardly as she quickly stepped aside to keep some distance between them.

“Hey, Matthew!” Daniel called when he noticed him still in the car.

Matthew nodded politely, then started the engine and drove off, leaving Daniel and Anna standing about five meters apart.

“Was the surgery successful?” Daniel asked, his eyes fixed on her.

Anna nodded quickly, too nervous to speak. She knew Rebecca was probably watching through the surveillance cameras somewhere.

“Did you suddenly become mute or something?” Daniel snapped, annoyed.

Anna swallowed hard. “I’m sorry, sir. I’m just… a little exhausted.” She still didn’t dare meet his gaze.

Daniel muttered a low “oh,” then stepped back to give her space.

“Well, get some rest. Go!” he said casually.

This time Anna looked up, and her eyes locked with Daniel’s deep, intense gaze. The sudden spark jolted through her chest like electricity. Flustered, she looked away at once and hurried toward her bedroom, her hand pressed against her pounding chest. ‘Oh my God, what is this feeling?’

“Welcome back, Anna!” Karen greeted her in the room, though she was smiling, but her eyes said differently. Anna nodded slowly, reluctant to talk to Karen now that she knew she was no different from the others who gossiped about her.

“Clean yourself up. Mrs. Morgan wants to see you,” Karen said flatly.

“Okay,” Anna answered just as flatly. She wouldn’t let Karen or the kitchen gang intimidate her anymore.

Karen shrugged. “I’ll wait here.” She sat on the sofa, watching Anna’s every move. “You’ll have to come back this afternoon to help Lucy and Eve prepare dinner,” she added.

Behind the bathroom door, Anna stomped in frustration. The last thing she wanted was to work with Lucy or Eve again, but she had no choice.

Later, Karen escorted Anna to Rebecca’s private room. As usual, Karen knocked politely before entering.

“I’ll wait outside,” Karen offered without looking up.

“No, stay here. I have something to tell you,” Rebecca said, waving her hand with a smoking pipe between her fingers.

Anna sat quietly, her eyes lowered to the thick carpet. For the first time, she truly regretted signing the contract. But it was too late, there was no turning back.

“Anna will no longer work in the kitchen. From now on, she’ll serve my personal needs, replacing Laura,” Rebecca declared after blowing smoke directly into Anna’s face, making her cough.

“Yes, ma’am,” Karen replied.

Anna remained silent.

Rebecca leaned forward, her cold eyes sharp. “What’s wrong? Do you mind?”

Anna raised her head and met her gaze. “Not at all, ma’am…” she said slowly, deliberately keeping her composure. She wouldn’t let Rebecca intimidate her.

Rebecca snorted. She had been about to blow more smoke at Anna, but she stopped. Anna was in a pregnancy program—Rebecca wouldn’t risk damaging the baby she planned to claim as her own. After all, that child would one day inherit the Morgan fortune.

“You, get out!” Rebecca barked at Karen.

“Yes, Ma’am!” Karen nodded and hurried away.

Rebecca glared at Anna. She couldn’t understand why Daniel had started speaking to Anna, something he’d never done with any other woman. He hadn’t even spoken to Rebecca herself since discovering that she never loved him and only wanted his money.

“Follow me to the bathroom,” Rebecca ordered, striding toward the large door.

Anna said nothing and followed.

Inside, Rebecca stripped, flaunting her slim body and smooth skin.

“Fill my bathtub!” she snapped.

Anna nodded, glancing at the shelves lined with essential oils and bath bombs. “What scent do you want?” she asked without looking at Rebecca.

Rebecca hurled a bottle of perfume against the wall, shattering it.

“Look me in the eye when you talk to me! Who do you think you are?!” She screamed.

Anna clenched the towel in her hand, fighting the urge to snap back. From Matthew’s story, she knew Rebecca was dangerous.

“Remember, your father’s life is in my hands…” Rebecca hissed cruelly.

***