Dara's eyes widened in shock, disbelief written all over her face. "Impossible! That medicine... the young master bought it for me from the hospital!"
"What?!" Karina was stunned. Then she stepped forward, bent down, grabbed Dara's collar, and snarled, "What did you just say?! Who bought that medicine for you?!"
"I..." Dara bit her lower lip hard, wishing she could take back what she had just blurted out.
How could she be so careless and mention the young master in a panic?!
No, she couldn't let Karina know-not under any circumstances! She couldn't drag him into this.
Forcing herself to stay calm, she denied it. "I didn't say anything. You must have misheard me, Miss."
"Bullshit!" Karina didn't even bother pretending anymore and exploded with a curse. "You think I'm deaf?! I heard it loud and clear-didn't you just say it was the young master who bought you the medicine?!"
"I..." Dara turned her face away stubbornly. "I didn't say anything. You definitely misheard me."
Karina wasn't buying it. She grabbed Dara's jaw and snarled through gritted teeth, "Dara, let me tell you-don't think that just because you've got a pretty face, you can climb your way up by seducing men! Xavier is someone you'll never be worthy of. If you dare make any moves on him behind my back, I'll make you wish you were never born."
Dara was forced to look up at her. Her gaze was firm and unyielding. "I didn't!"
"Still playing tough?! No problem!" Karina suddenly let out a twisted laugh, then flung her hand to shove Dara aside again.
"Aren't you relying on this pretty little face of yours? Then I'll ruin it! I want to see who you think you can seduce without it!"
With that, she spun around and dashed back into the storage room.
A wave of dread swept over Dara.
She struggled to her feet and tried to run.
But her body was weak to begin with, and after being dragged all the way here, every inch of her was in pain. She broke into a sweat after taking just one step.
She barely made it two meters before collapsing like a leaf in the autumn wind.
Just then, Karina emerged from the storage room-holding a pair of scissors in her hand.
Step by step, she approached, eyes locked on Dara's terrified face, cold and menacing.
"No! Please don't!" Dara shook her head in desperation and fear. "Miss, please calm down! Don't do anything rash!"
But Karina's eyes were clouded by jealousy and hatred.
Her mind screamed one thought over and over again: Why?! Why does Xavier treat her so kindly while ignoring me?! It was just a scratch, and he personally took her to the hospital and even bought her medicine?!
Dara Smith-this little tramp-is relying on her seductive looks?! Fine, I'll ruin her face. Let's see who she can seduce then!
It was already late. Most of the servants were asleep.
Besides, the storage area was in a remote corner-no one would be around at this hour.
Dara opened her mouth to cry for help, but her throat was so hoarse she couldn't make a sound.
Seeing this, Karina grew even more pleased. "Go ahead, scream! Let's see if anyone dares come save you!"
Dara supported herself with her hands and slowly scooted backward.
In less than a minute, Karina stood right in front of her.
She raised the scissors with a wicked grin and said crazily, "Don't be scared. I'll just make two cuts-one on the left cheek, one on the right. Nice and symmetrical, how about that?!"
Dara shut her tear-filled eyes in despair.
Suddenly, a phone ringtone pierced through the tension.
Karina scowled and glanced at the pocket where the sound came from, annoyed.
She didn't want to answer it, but the interruption pulled her out of her madness, helping her regain some sense.
Looking down at the terrified Dara, Karina bit her lip in hesitation.
After all, she was just a maid-even if her face got cut up, it wasn't a big deal. But if Xavier found out she was behind it, would he think she was vicious and cruel? Would that ruin her chances with him?
The phone kept ringing persistently.
With a huff, Karina tossed the scissors to the ground and reached into her pocket.
When she saw who was calling, her expression instantly changed.
The cruelty and hatred vanished. In their place, a sweet and eager smile bloomed across her face.
"Xavier! It's so late-what's the matter?"
Dara's ears perked up when she heard her call out Xavier's name, and she instinctively looked up.
The moment their eyes met, Karina shot her a sharp warning glance.
Dara shrank back, quickly lowering her gaze.
"Miss Carter, I hope I'm not disturbing you?"
"Not at all! Of course not!"
"Oh, good. I was afraid you might be asleep already."
"No worries, even if I was, you could still call! My phone is on 24/7 for you!"
Realizing she sounded a bit too forward, Karina gave a shy little laugh. "I mean, I never turn off my phone at night. If you ever need anything, feel free to call. I'll definitely hear it."
Xavier ignored her flirty tone and got straight to the point. "Here's the thing. The X Group just opened a new five-star hot spring resort on the outskirts of Vernon. I was wondering if you'd be interested in staying there for a few days, to relax a bit."
Karina's eyes lit up. It took all her willpower not to squeal with joy.
She forced herself to sound calm, "I happen to be free the next few days. I'd love to go! Are you going too, Xavier?"
"Mhm. I'll be there tomorrow for the opening ceremony and to inspect the hotel's service quality."
"That's perfect! We can go together then!"
"No," he replied firmly. Glancing at Serena sitting on the couch, he added, "Miss Carter, you can go on your own. I'll be going with a friend, so it's not convenient."
Karina assumed the 'friend' he mentioned was a business associate.
Since their relationship wasn't official yet, it wouldn't be appropriate for her to show up uninvited.
So, she didn't press it and replied, "Alright, just send me the address. I'll head over tomorrow."
"Alright."
***