Bride behind the mask novel (Marguerite)

The ten minutes were up. Zoe watched as Yuna climbed into the luxurious executive car, her gaze fixated on the rear window where the Fitzgeralds leaned into each other's embrace. Penelope, without thinking, turned her head to look outside, locking eyes with Zoe through the glass. She couldn't help but feel there was something peculiar about Zoe's longing gaze. "What did she tell you?" Penelope asked Yuna, her curiosity piqued.

Yuna had a lie on the tip of her tongue, but then she saw an opportunity to turn Penelope against Marguerite. She quickly dug out an ointment from her bag and said, "Manley's hurt, and she was worried. She sent this ointment for him."

Hackett's sobriety returned in an instant at the mention of his grandson's injury, "What happened to my dear grandson? Isn't there someone at home to look after him?"

Yuna cast a meaningful glance at Penelope and remained silent.

"Impatient, Hackett pressed, "Speak up! I'm asking you, how did my dear grandson get hurt?"

Yuna shivered in fear, her voice barely audible, "...Marguerite hit him..."

Penelope's eyes widened in disbelief. Marguerite, so gentle and kind, how could she possibly bring herself to hit Manley?

Robert had reached his boiling point. From the passenger seat, he glared at Yuna through the rearview mirror. "If you spout nonsense one more time, I'll sew your mouth shut, try me"

Seizing the moment, Yuna clutched Hackett's arm. The old man, now fully sober and visibly enraged, barked, "Robert! Have you lost your mind? Is Marguerite your lover or your kin that you defend her so? You are threatening to sew your sister's mouth shut for her... You're turning the world upside down!"

Robert turned to face his father, "Dad, do you know why I don't want to come home?"

Hackett, taken aback, didn't have a chance to question before Robert revealed the reason with a scornful laugh, "Because you're unreasonable, quick to judge without understanding, easily swayed by slander. Robert's tone was so flat, devoid of any emotion, yet it fanned the flames of Hackett's anger.

"Robert, have you lost all sense of propriety? Who gave you the right to speak to your father in that tone?" he thundered.

Robert turned away, sitting in silence.

Yuna rushed to soothe Hackett, "Dad, please don't be angry. It's a beautiful day; don't let this spoil your health."

But Hackett grasped Yuna's hand, his heartache and concern pouring out, "Yuna, why didn't you tell me about the troubles at the Winston Mansion? It breaks my heart! Don't worry, I'll stand up for you today. Let's go to the Winston Mansion and demand an explanation!"

Yuna nearly cheered out loud. This was exactly what she wanted! With Freddie chastising Marguerite and now Hackett storming to the Winston Mansion, Marguerite would become an outcast, the talk of the town in disgrace! But knowing Freddie, he wouldn't let Marguerite return to the mansion so easily. He must have taken her to the same place where Barnes was once held, enduring the guards' rough treatment by now.

No matter, Yuna thought gleefully, with Hackett going there to support her, her own status would surely rise. It was a win-win situation!

She couldn't see Penelope, sighing quietly to herself. Since Yuna's return, their family was no longer at peace. This wasn't what Penelope had intended when she welcomed her daughter back.

The three of them, each lost in thought, arrived at the Winston Mansion. But as they stepped out of the car, they were greeted by a shocking sight.

The mansion's grand doors were wide open, and numerous workers in white protective suits bustled in and out. A government vehicle was parked at the entrance, the words "Food Inspection Department" emblazoned on the side, glaringly obvious.

Yuna's heart raced. What on earth was happening at the Winston Mansion?