"I know," Oliver said, his arms crossed as he pressed his right palm against his forehead. "Disgusting!"

"...Is this... a drawing of you?" Frederick asked as his voice trembled with shock.

"It is," Oliver nodded.

"Did you draw this or someone else...?" Frederick queried.

"I don't know who created this abomination," Oliver replied as frustration mixed with his voice. "All I know is that everyone was acting strangely around me earlier. Then, they showed me this. No wonder they were so hesitant to speak with me!"

"But, is this real?" Frederick questioned curiously.

"Of course not!" Oliver answered immediately. "Everyone knows I have chosen not to marry, let alone engage in promiscuous encounters with numerous mistresses for pleasure..."

"...Whoever did this must be punished..." Frederick glared at the drawing in the pamphlet.

"...I'll talk more with you about that. But, first, I must get to the bathhouse and get myself cleaned," Oliver said, turning to the door and shutting it.

"No need to rush, son," Frederick replied, his gaze still fixed on the pamphlet.

     Frederick's tightened lips turned into a frown. He observed every detail of the drawing as his eyebrows knitted together. He then sighed as he closed his eyes.

     Meanwhile, Sophia, Sarrah, and Bethany stroll around the street, enjoying the lively atmosphere. As the girls turn towards a corner, they find a quieter stretch of the road, away from the hustle and bustle. The girls embrace the opportunity to slow down, sensing the gentle caress of the breeze that tousles their hair as they gaze at the neverending tree avenue on their right side.

     Smiling, Sophia enjoys the rare moment of tranquillity after a long walk. She can feel the calmness washing over her mind. Her eyes wander to the surrounding buildings' walls. But, suddenly, she halts and squints.

     After pausing for a quick and brief moment, Sophia approaches one of the buildings. Sarrah and Bethany immediately trail behind her. Sophia's steps lead them towards a wall full of pamphlets and posters, covering every surface. Sophia places her hand on the tip of her lips as her jaw drops, surprised by what she has discovered.

     Sophia, Sarrah and Bethany shared identical expressions. Their restless eyes widened, and their pupils contracted. And their mouths hung agape, unable to find words to articulate their shock.

     Inside the Alcadee Residence, the mansion where the Remaining Podeshire resides, the front door swings open with a forceful creak. The subsequent slam reverberates through the corridors, filling the space with echoing vibrations. Gregory, accompanied by his cousin, Edgar, steps into the grand lobby of the household.

"Hey, Greg?" Edgar called as they walked across the lobby.

"Yeah?" Gregory answered.

Edgar's voice carried a hint of uncertainty as he broached the subject. "Have you heard the recent gossip... regarding Oli?" he asked.

Gregory paused with an unsteady gaze. "...I have," Gregory replied.

"Are those even true? What do you think?" Edgar questioned.

Gregory's eyes briefly flickered downward, pondering the question. Raising his gaze, he spoke. "...No. Of course not. It's all false," he asserted. "I am always close to Oli. I witness his daily activities. Never have I seen him involved with women other than Sophia, Sarrah, and Bethany."

"...We should at least inform Oli about these rumours..." Edgar said.

"I agree," Gregory affirmed. He then spotted a passing maid with her arms burdened by an overflowing laundry bucket. Gregory quickly called out to her. "Excuse me?"

"Yes?" the maid responded as she halted her steps.

"Have you seen Oli? Oliver?" Gregory asked politely.

"Oh, yes, he's taking a bath. I am carrying his clothes to the laundry right now," the maid answered calmly.

"Well, then. Is his father, Mr Frederick, available?" he questioned.

"Yes, Mr Frederick's in the green drawing room," the maid replied as she pointed her lips towards the room's direction.

     A soft, rhythmic knock echoes through the door, punctuated by three faint beats. Slowly and steadily, the door swings open. Gregory peers into the verdant room as his cousin trails behind him.

"Mr Frederick?" Gregory addressed Frederick kindly. "Disturbing tidings have reached our ears regarding our dear friend, your son, Oliver."

Frederick, still studying the pamphlet before him, responded without looking up. "Please, take a seat," he pointed at the long sofa with vibrant green pillows on his left.

Gregory sat and wasted no time voicing his recommendation. "I suggest that we take immediate action. The tarnishing of Oliver's reputation is an egregious offence," he said.

"As I've stated previously, those responsible for this scandalous pamphlet shall indeed face punishment," Frederick said as he handed the pamphlet over to Gregory.

Gregory's brows furrowed as his eyes fixed on the paper. "What in the world is this...?" Gregory felt flames ravaging his heart. "Who could conceive such a scandalous pamphlet?"

Edgar's eyes widened in shock. He quickly covered his eyes and looked away. "Good heavens! I should've not laid my eyes on that!" Edgar gasped.