"Big brother, it hurts so much..." Linda whimpered from the floor, her voice trembling with vulnerability. She pouted, a glimmer of tears forming in her eyes.
Robert's deep gaze shifted to Linda. His lips remained tightly closed as he silently reached down to help her to her feet.
Eleanor observed in silence, her fingers curling into a fist, her expression growing more complex with each passing moment.
Meanwhile, Linda's heart brimmed with satisfaction. A subtle, triumphant smirk danced on her lips, so faint it would go unnoticed by anyone not paying close attention. Of course, he would side with me...
Seeing Robert approaching from the doorway earlier, and in a calculated move, staged her act. It worked. Playing the victim had yielded the results she wanted.
"How are you feeling?" Robert asked, his tone solemn, his face still as cold as ever.
"I feel... like I might be burned," Linda replied softly, lowering her gaze, her face a mask of pain.