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Claire staggered back a few steps as if she had been physically struck.

She had originally come to the villa to check on Zachary, but also to interrogate Winona about the twenty stitches in Sienna's scalp, and the fact that Cynthia was claiming Winona attacked her. How had Winona turned into this vicious monster?

Sienna quickly grabbed Claire's arm, her voice dripping with artificial panic. "Mom, are you okay?"

Claire shook her head slowly, her lips trembling in shock.

Zachary finally spoke, his voice cracking like a whip. "Winona!"

It had been a long time since Winona had seen Zachary look so furiously authoritative. But of course, that protective rage was entirely reserved for Sienna.

She couldn't care less about standing there to be lectured. What right did any of them have to judge her?

She continued marching up the stairs, completely ignoring Zachary's barked order.

Zachary stared at her retreating back, his eyes freezing over.

Sienna let out a soft sob. "Mom, should I take you home?"

Claire had initially planned to cook dinner tonight. She even intended to wait until Winona got home to start, remembering Winona's favorite dishes in a pathetic attempt to mend their fractured relationship. But now...

Claire had completely lost her appetite. She still hadn't recovered from the brutal finality of Winona's words. Her chest ached violently.

She gave a weak nod and turned to Zachary. "Zachary, I apologize you had to see this mess. Focus on your recovery. I'll come visit another time."

Zachary nodded calmly. "Take care."

Claire practically fled the villa in total humiliation.

Sienna quickly chimed in, "Zachary, I'll walk Mom out."

But just as the words left her mouth, Winona rushed back down the stairs, panic lacing her voice. "Where is my cat?"

She had been missing all night. Before she left yesterday, she hadn't known she'd end up in the bottom of a river, so she had only poured out one meal for Bluebell.

It was almost six in the evening now. Bluebell had been starving for a full day.

But the bedroom was completely empty.

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