Skyler snapped back to reality and stepped forward to help Linara. But just as he was about to reach her, a voice rang out from the back of the crowd—a cold, clear voice that stopped him in his tracks. "Are you eating?" At first, the words didn't register with the onlookers. But when they looked again at Linara, face down, hands gripping the edge of the toilet, the realization hit them all at once. And then the laughter erupted. It started as a chuckle but quickly grew into waves of roaring laughter that filled the corridor. Those further back, initially clueless, caught on after watching videos and hearing the explanation. Soon, they, too, joined in, adding to the deafening cacophony. Dora shot Seraphina a look of admiration. With just one sentence, Seraphina had completely destroyed Linara's carefully curated goddess image. Even Theron, usually blinded by his affection for Linara, frowned unconsciously. Linara, however, was still hoping for her knights in shining armor to save her. Skyler and Theron had come, but neither stepped forward. Her eyes darted across the mocking faces in the crowd, her ears ringing with the relentless laughter. Overwhelmed, she suddenly collapsed backward, falling to the floor. "Linara!" Kelly shot Seraphina a hateful glare before rushing to her side. Abigail and Carmen followed closely, joining the chaotic effort to get Linara out of the restroom and over to the infirmary. … When Seraphina returned home to Whitewood Residence, she was immediately greeted by an oppressive atmosphere. The tension in the air was almost tangible. "Seraphina, stop right there!" Chloe's voice cracked like a whip. Her eyes blazed with anger as she stared at Seraphina. "How could you do something like this?" "Such a thing? What thing?" Chloe's frustration boiled over at her daughter's feigned innocence. Her chest heaved as her blood pressure spiked. How could her daughter be like this? Why couldn't she learn from Linara? Holding her head, Chloe swayed slightly, her dizziness worsening. She looked as though she might collapse at any moment. Jasmine rushed forward to steady her just as the rumble of a car engine sounded outside. Moments later, a tall, elegantly dressed young man stepped through the door. His refined features and elegant attire immediately drew attention as he strode into the house, his face carrying a hint of excitement. "Mr. Aidan, you're back!" Jasmine exclaimed, her tone filled with relief. At the sight of Aidan, Chloe's body went limp, and she collapsed into Jasmine's arms. Aidan's sharp gaze immediately landed on Seraphina. A flicker of surprise and admiration crossed his eyes. Though their parents weren't particularly attractive, their biological daughter was a true beauty. In a couple of years, she would undoubtedly grow into a stunningly gorgeous woman. Quickly brushing aside his thoughts, Aidan hurried to Chloe's side. "What happened?" he asked with concern. Though Chloe wasn't his biological mother, her kindness had earned his respect and affection as though she were. Jasmine hesitated, casting a quick glance at Seraphina. Aidan's brow furrowed as he took in his fainted mother and Seraphina's detached, almost indifferent demeanor. "Take her to her room and call Dr. Hughes to check on her," Aidan instructed calmly. "Yes, sir." With clear instructions, the household staff sprang into action, quickly tending to Chloe. Once Chloe was settled in her bedroom, Aidan stepped out, only to spot Seraphina heading toward her room. "Hold it," he said, striding toward her. Before Seraphina could close her door, Aidan reached out, gripping the doorframe to block her. His dark eyes flashed with anger. "You're staying in this room?" he asked, his voice laced with barely restrained fury.