Chapter 1: The Glass Prince
Setting: A lavish mansion, a flamboyant birthday party for Cedric, the "beloved" son.
Content: Cedric parades around, convinced he is the sole heir to Mr. Valmont's empire. His mother, Eliane, rules the house with an iron fist. We see their casual cruelty toward two young servants living in the service wing: Leo and Lena, the children of Valmont's first wife (who allegedly died in poverty according to Eliane's rumors).
Chapter 2: The Bread of Humiliation
Content: Leo and Lena are forced to clean up the party's remains. Cedric insults them, deliberately spilling red wine on Lena's worn-out dress. Mr. Valmont is often absent or looks away, manipulated by Eliane's lies, believing the two orphans are ungrateful and lazy.
Chapter 3: The Sealed Letter
Content: Mr. Valmont falls gravely ill. Sensing his end, he asks to see his notary in secret. Eliane tries to eavesdrop but is pushed away. She reassures Cedric: "Everything is ours, I've planned it all." Cedric takes the opportunity to double the abuse toward Leo, threatening to throw him onto the streets as soon as the "old man" dies.