The bathroom light had been left on, yet there was no sound emanating from within, not even the gentle flow of water from the shower.

Mrs. Clark grew anxious as she knocked on the door, her voice betraying a hint of panic. "Zoe, why haven't you come out yet?"

There was no response from inside. Mrs. Clark, consumed by worry, reached out to open the door directly.

But the bathroom door was locked from the inside, refusing to yield to her efforts.

Her complexion turned ashen, her limbs weakened. Struggling to raise her voice, she cried out, "Help! please come and help!"

The servant standing outside immediately rushed in, followed...