Regrettably, the Jenkins family lacked access to top-tier elixir formulas. Consequently, they were restricted to producing Sun Pills and other lower-grade pills with the formulas recently obtained from neighboring clans.

Fortunately, there was a perpetual demand for pills, with even the lower-grade varieties garnering considerable attention from prospective purchasers.

Barbara utilized the Jenkins family's resources while simultaneously contributing to the family's prosperity. Such was her inherent value.

"Doris," Barbara implored.

"Yes, my lady! How may I assist you?" Doris promptly responded.

A chilling glint flickered in Barbara's eyes.

With a faint smile, she said, “Without the Rejuvenating Cream, can you imagine how hideous the scar on Maria's body is?"

“Frankly, I cannot conceive of it, my lady.”

Recognizing Barbara's dissatisfaction with her response, Doris continued, "Yet it must be exceedingly ugly. Any man who beholds it would likely be repulsed and shun her body entirely!"

At this, a smile eventually graced Barbara's countenance.

"You're correct. It appears that Anthony has never glimpsed Maria's physique..."

An idea swiftly crystallized in Barbara's mind as she uttered these words.

Maria made her way back to the Lemna Yard the following day.

Anthony wasn't accompanying her, and Julie had dispatched Grover on an errand.

At the moment, only three people are in the yard: Maria, Julie, and Isla.

"Isla, you've spent your formative years in the Jenkins family, but what about your parents?"

Having resided in the Lemna Yard for a few days, Julie and Isla had grown reasonably acquainted, leading to inevitable conversations between them.

"Well..."

Isla appeared to recollect a sorrowful memory from her past, causing her formerly cheerful demeanor to darken into despondency.

The sound of running water emanated from an adjacent chamber, where Maria indulged in a shower.

“Well, If you're not inclined to discuss it, we can divert our attention to another topic."

In truth, Julie possessed a keen sensitivity. Witnessing the shift in Isla's countenance, she promptly discerned something was amiss.

Nevertheless, Isla had endured years of mistreatment within the Jenkins family and was unlikely to consider this a breach of her privacy.

Despite her internal conflict, she responded in a subdued tone, "My parents were once part of the Jenkins clan's workforce. Doris spun me a yarn that they committed suicide after a colossal blunder. I was only a wee babe back then. Mrs. Jenkins, out of the goodness of her heart, took me under her wing, and I've been raised here ever since.