Chapter 5

After arriving at the third floor, Lilith pushed the door open and gestured inside. "I'm not sure if this matches your taste. Look around and let me know if it suits you, or if you'd like to add anything." The room boasted a chic, princess-like decor, brimming with feminine allure. However, it failed to resonate with Hera's preferences. Feeling Lilith's hopeful gaze upon her, Hera reluctantly nodded. "It's alright—" Before she could finish speaking, someone forcefully pushed her, causing her to lose her balance and stagger. "Out! This is my study!" Gino's glare bore into Hera with intense hostility, resembling a lit fuse ready to explode. Lilith found herself caught in the middle. She asked, "Hera, are you okay? Gino, didn't we agree that this room was meant for your sister?" Gino's unexpected outburst left Lilith feeling flustered. The second and third floors of the mansion were fully occupied, leaving only the housekeeper's room and guest rooms on the first floor. Given Hera's status as a member of the Everett family, staying on the first floor was out of the question. Thus, Lilith arranged an agreement with Gino. Gino agreed to share a study with Gideon, thereby vacating Gino's study for Hera to utilize as her room. "She's not my sister! I don't have a sister who showed up from the countryside!" Gino objected strongly, trying to push Hera away again. Hera gracefully sidestepped his advance. Caught off guard by her agility, Gino stumbled and collided with the foot of the bed. Instantly, his pained cries echoed through the room. "What's wrong? What's going on?" Mildred's voice came from behind. Giselle had helped Mildred up to the third floor. Gino ran to Mildred and burst into tears. "Grandma, help me! This hick just shoved me!" Hera stayed quiet. "Don't worry, don't worry. I'll handle this fairly for you." Mildred comforted him by patting his back. "Let me see where you're hurt." Gino's face was a mess of tears and snot. He had a big bump on his forehead. "Oh dear, how did you hurt yourself so badly? Will it affect how you look?" Giselle exclaimed dramatically. Gino cried even harder at the mention of his appearance being affected. "Gino, let me see. I'm sorry. It's my fault for not watching you closely enough." Lilith anxiously tried to approach Gino, but Mildred pushed her away. "What are you waiting for? Quickly, call the doctor!" Mildred scolded her, then glared at Hera. "We'll talk about this later!" Hera remained silent. The mansion was in chaos. Everyone's attention was centered on Gino. Watching Hera being left on the sidelines filled Giselle with satisfaction. She saw Hera as nothing more than a country bumpkin unworthy of Lilith's attention. Gino sobbed in Mildred's arms in the living room downstairs. His puffy, red eyes tugged at Mildred's heartstrings. Mildred scolded Lilith, telling her to urge the family doctor, and instructed Judy to fetch a hot pack. Before long, Judy returned with one. "Gino, stop crying. Applying this hot pack should help," Mildred reassured, preparing to apply the hot pack. But before she could, a stern voice cut in, "Don't use that. Use ice cubes instead." Mildred turned to see Hera standing on the staircase. Hera was still clad in her tattered, snug dress, with her bag slung over her shoulder. She had an air of confidence that made Mildred suddenly uncertain if she was a city dweller or from the countryside. "What makes you think you know better? Using a hot pack can boost blood flow and reduce swelling," Mildred retorted and glared at Hera. Mildred carefully applied the hot pack over the sizable bump on Gino's forehead. "Ouch!" Gino winced and began to resist. "You need to bear with it. Applying the hot pack over the swollen area is necessary for reducing the swelling," Mildred insisted. She signaled for Judy to help in keeping Gino still. Lilith sympathized with Gino but didn't dare oppose Mildred's instructions. She could only watch anxiously. In that instant, Mildred felt someone grab her hand. Her eyes sparked with anger when she realized it was Hera. "What are you doing?" Hera remained cold and repeated, "You should use a cold compress." "Move aside! Don't meddle. I know what I'm doing. Why would I hurt my grandson?" Mildred yanked her hand away from Hera's grip. She had seen Fanny Paterson, her friend, use this technique to ease swelling and bruises on her grandson before. There was no way she could be mistaken! Hera stayed quiet. Seeing the opportunity, Gino squirmed out of Mildred's embrace and into Lilith's. His face was covered in tears and snot. He looked utterly miserable. Mildred boiled with anger. Just as she was about to instruct Judy to bring Gino back to her, the family doctor, Wilbur Hobgood, arrived.