Finally, Ningning reached the mansion after a lot of trouble because she didn't even know her way.
She walked inside, doing her best not to show any signs of weakness, but deep down, her legs were aching; every part of her body throbbed with pain.
The maid greeted her. Ningning responded neither of them just walking forward quickly. She had reached the staircase when she bumped into Narin. Narin's face was unusually pale; she looked extremely worried.
Ningning, feeling like she could strangle Narin at that moment, forced herself to stay calm. Revenge couldn't just be a slap. Narin would have to wait and see; she was definitely going to pay for everything.
When Narin saw Ningning, her expression changed. She was about to say something when Ningning brushed past her without stopping.
Ningning ignored Narin and went upstairs as if she saw no one.
Once she reached her room, she closed the door, locked it, and collapsed to the ground. Her whole body ached. She finally took off the big windbreaker she was wearing.
She stood up and slowly walked to the mirror, tearing open the new T-shirt she was wearing. Her skin was exposed; purple marks covered her body. Her face had already turned a bit pale. Her knees couldn't even handle the pain.
She hurried to the bed and fell onto it. Now she regretted not buying painkillers. She reached for the contraceptives in her bag. She wanted to take them with warm water but decided to use hot water instead.
Whatever Narin had drugged her with was so strong; her throat still burned even now. Ningning gathered her strength, covered her body with the windbreaker, and walked out of the room. She softly called a maid.
The maid hurried over.
"Get me some hot water in a basin and a towel, and prepare some warm hot water for me."
Thirty minutes passed, and still no sign of the maid returning with what Ningning requested. After everything that happened, Ningning was in a really bad mood. She quickly put her jacket back on, which hid the marks on her skin, then stormed out.
Coincidentally, Narin and the maid had just arrived at her door. This time, Narin's face was ice-cold. She looked at Ningning before finally asking, "Anything wrong?"
Ningning ignored Narin. She looked at the maid. "Where's the hot water and the rest I requested?"
The maid looked up at Ningning. "I was asked not to get it for you."
Ningning's face darkened. "And who would tell you not to get them for me?"
Narin cut in. "I did."
Ningning shot a glare at Narin. Narin shot one back. "Why, sister? Are you sick? Did anything happen to you last night?" Narin asked, her face completely opposite her sweet voice.
Narin continued as she remembered, "That reminds me... you didn't look too well when you left."
Ningning's eyes squinted. "I didn't realize you were watching me that closely."
Narin smiled. "I always notice you." She glanced at Ningning from head to toe. "Must have been an interesting night, right?"
Ningning's fingers clenched then finally relaxed.
"Not really," Ningning said softly with a gentle smile.
"Really, nothing unusual? No unexpected visitors?" Narin's words seemed light but felt heavy on Ningning.
Ningning looked at her calmly. "Should there have been?" The question lingered briefly.
Narin's expression grew tense. She laughed softly. "You’re overthinking. I was just asking..."
Ningning leaned back slightly. "Next time, be clearer."
Just as Ningning was about to face the maid, Narin chimed in again. "I was just wondering... why you needed a basin of hot water and a towel. Are you okay?"
Ningning’s face turned cold. She ignored Narin and looked at the maid beside her. The maid appeared fearless. Ningning was angry.
This was exactly how this maid behaved around the real Ningning, and she wasn't going to let it go on.
Adding to her anger, Ningning saw the maid look up at her. "Since you said you're okay, then I'll take my leave," the maid said.
Ningning's eyes turned icy. Without waiting for anyone's words, she grabbed her hair and yanked her back. The maid screamed. Before she could react, a loud slap cracked across her cheek. She staggered backward.
Narin’s eyes widened in shock. The maid held her burning cheek, her eyes quickly filled with redness. Tears threatened to fall as she stared at Ningning, whose eyes looked far too cold.
Before anyone could react, Ningning struck the maid with another hot slap. The maid fell to the ground, crying out loudly.
Finally, Narin spoke, "Stop! What are you doing?"
Ningning's cold stare shifted to Narin. "None of your business."
Narin was stunned. Ningning turned her cold gaze back to the maid, staring daggers. The maid shivered with fear.
Ningning took a step forward before stopping abruptly. "How dare you not bring what I requested?" she snapped. By then, the other maids had gathered around, all of them petrified.
Ningning continued, her tone uncaring. "You've become so bold, refusing my orders. Don't forget who the true daughter is and who's not."
Everyone gasped. It was clear Ningning had changed. Beyond the shock in their eyes, fear now gripped them—they had never seen her like this. Her final words carried significant weight.
She swept her gaze over the crowd. "This is just a warning—anyone could be next." Raising her fist, the maids dared not meet her eyes. Her gaze finally settled on Narin, whose face was pale, clearly shaken.
"Now, someone get me what I asked for!" Ningning’s voice was loud and terrifying.
The maids hurried away.
Ningning looked at Narin and called out, "Older sister."
Narin looked back, her expression unreadable.
Ningning pressed on, "It would be nice if everyone minded their own business. And by the way, thanks for worrying... You definitely had such an incredible plan last night. It's worth remembering."
Narin’s face drained of color. She froze, unable to speak. The maids had already run off, leaving them alone.
Ningning edged closer, her voice cold. "Just a little more... and it would have been perfect."
Narin's face went even paler, as if struck. Her eyes widened in shock and fear.
Ningning's gaze remained fixed on her, a cold smile playing on her lips. Narin parted her lips, but no words came out.
The tension hung thick until Narin finally managed a shaky breath. Ningning didn't wait for her to respond; she turned and walked away, leaving Narin frozen in place.
Narin waited until she was out of sight before her composure cracked. She stumbled to her bedroom, slamming the door behind her. Leaning against it, her breaths came in short gasps, eyes brimming with unshed tears. The shock was fading, replaced by a mix of anger and humiliation. How could Ningning... how could she?
Her fingers dug into her palms as she fought to regain control. She couldn't afford to break down now, not when she was so close.
She picked up her phone. The call connected.
"What about it?" her voice trembled.
A pause followed. Then a voice responded impatiently.
“What are you talking about? I never even touched her."
“I know!" Narin cried out, growing more agitated.
“I just want to know who did!”