Return of the Crowned Heiress (Felicia)

Macey looked worried and advised, "Licia, try to get along with your classmates... Avoid conflicts as much as you can. I'm just an old woman who can't help you. I'm afraid you'll get bullied and have no one to support you..." Felicia said seriously, "Nana, it's not because I did something wrong that they're targeting me. They're nitpicking because of their own biases and because they see me as a thorn in their side."

No matter what she did, those who disliked her would continue to target her because they found her to be a pain. It was not her fault; it was theirs for being prejudiced.

Felicia raised an eyebrow. "Nana, you taught me this."

Macey sighed, feeling a mix of pride and concern. Felicia was so well-taught, deserving of being pampered. Yet she...

"Alright, Nana, don't worry about it," Felicia said, blinking and smiling innocently. "Not everyone is like you, who can see how outstanding and adorable I am!"

Macey couldn't help but laugh.

Just then, a burnt smell wafted from the kitchen.

Felicia's expression changed. "Oh no, my fish filets!"

The two rushed to the kitchen.

Felicia frantically tried to control the fire on the hearth while Macey hurried to salvage the fish filets Felicia had been craving. In the smoke-filled kitchen, neither of them noticed Arnold's figure outside. He had been overlooked. Arnold had witnessed everything.

There were several moments he had wanted to step in to help Felicia, but his feet felt rooted to the ground. He didn't want to see Felicia do well, yet his feelings turned complicated when she was truly in distress. Then, he caught Felicia's words, "They nitpick because that thorn is in their own eyes."

So... was his animosity toward Felicia also due to his own biases?

No.

Arnold dismissed that thought.

From the very first moment he met Felicia, he could sense the contempt and hatred reflected in her eyes. She was the one who provoked him first.

As the kitchen smoke cleared, the fish filets were a complete failure. They were burned and stuck to the bottom of the pot, completely inedible. Felicia pouted in grievance. "Nana... I'm so hungry..."

"Oh dear, there's no fish left. How about this? Tomorrow, I'll have Mr. Todd set more traps in the river. We'll catch a big batch, and I'll fry you a huge pot! You can eat to your a

heart's content!"

"Okay!" Felicia nodded obediently.

After Macey washed the pot, she prepared a few more dishes. Just as she was about to serve the food, she suddenly remembered something and slapped her thigh. "Licia, did we forget someone? The guest who said he would eat with us just now?"

Arnold?

Felicia shrugged dismissively. "He must've left already. It's better that way."

Macey lightly tapped Felicia's head and rebuked teasingly, "You silly goose! Don't you know the right manners to have as a host? Go look for him. He shouldn't have gone far."

"I..." Felicia wanted to refuse, but she surrendered under Macey's watchful gaze. "Alright, Nana. I'll go right now."

...

Not far from Macey's house, several people loomed menacingly at the entrance of an alley. They were led by Olivia, who was preparing to confront Felicia.

Earlier, she had fled in fear after Felicia scared her off with a pair of hot tongs.

Now, Olivia had gathered a group of lackeys to do her justice. Olivia wondered if Felicia dared to confront her again.

However, midway, they were stopped by someone. Olivia was taken aback.

"Mr. Lawson, what are you doing here? What does this mean? Why are you standing in our way?"