He reached out to hold my hand, but I deftly avoided his touch, casting a glance at Darlene, who was watching from her Benz a short distance away.

With a composed smile, I said, “If you want my forgiveness, you need to publicly acknowledge online that you were manipulated by Darlene.”

“Today’s events have stirred up quite a commotion. If you don’t clarify the situation, rumors about my family will inevitably spread, given my standing.”

Without hesitation, they nodded vigorously. “Yes, of course, we’ll do it right away.”

“Take your time to compose the post,” I replied, signaling my weariness. “I’m tired and need to leave now.”

I slipped into the car with grace, leaving them to face Darlene, who was stepping out of the Benz, ready to confront them.

According to the video sent by the hotel doorman, the two families had engaged in a fierce altercation, each with varying degrees of bruises marring their faces. I watched with a cold detachment, still feeling a lingering dissatisfaction.

“I can’t believe this,” I muttered to myself, wishing their punishment had been even harsher.

Laura came over, peering at the footage with a look of disdain. “I warned you he was unreliable, but you chose to believe him. Now you see you need my help, don’t you?”

I felt a pang of shame, my silence betraying my guilt. I didn’t dare to retort.

As expected, Liam released a tearful apology video on all major social media platforms, placing the blame squarely on Darlene. The fallout from the birthday banquet debacle had already stirred significant controversy, and Liam’s confession only intensified it.

Darlene, once a figure of pride, became the center of public scorn. Her reputation plummeted overnight, and her family’s business suffered. Partners distanced themselves from The Fosters, with some even terminating contracts despite hefty penalties to avoid offending The Carters.

Darlene’s fall from grace was swift and brutal. Unable to cope with the humiliation, she reportedly vandalized Liam’s house, an act of desperation that led to further disgrace. Emily, witnessing the Foster family's downfall, no longer pretended to be friendly and lashed out with bitter remarks.

In a fit of rage, Darlene, who had been coddled all her life, struck Emily with a vase, resulting in Emily’s hospitalization and Darlene’s arrest.

When Liam called, asking to borrow money for surgery, I was busy enjoying a game of golf with Laura and some aunts. His eyes were red, filled with desperation.

“Andrea,” he pleaded, “didn’t you say you’d forgive me if I made a public apology?”

I smiled lazily, “I’m just thinking about it.”

“Now I know what I want.” I turned around and smiled at him, “Forgiving you is God’s business and my mission is to send you to see God.”

Liam was stunned and immediately became angry and humiliated.

“Andrea, don’t think you’re so great just because you’re rich. A woman with a vicious mind like you will never get love forever!”