I smiled at her. “Yes, kneel down and apologize.”

“Unfortunately, even if you do, I have no intention of forgiving you.”

My smile turned icy, and I addressed the security guard. “Escort them all out!”

“Yes, ma'am!” The security guards sprang into action.

Cyril, growing frantic, shouted angrily, “You’re in the wrong—she’s the one who should be thrown out!”

“Do you all want to lose your jobs?”

Before he could finish, the hotel manager arrived.

“I’m sorry, but our hotel will no longer accommodate your family. The breach of contract penalty will be charged to your account shortly. Please have your relatives and friends leave immediately.”

“What?” Cyril was so enraged he could scarcely believe his ears.

The guests were equally stunned, bewildered by being ejected from their first-ever banquet.

“Get out, now!” The manager’s tone was firm and unyielding.

The audience’s murmurs grew louder.

“Dad!” Darlene, overcome with shame, sobbed uncontrollably.

The Foster family, having only one daughter, was determined to preserve her dignity on such a joyful occasion.

“Darlene, stop crying. I’ll handle this. He’s just a manager. How dare he kick us out?” Cyril fumed, his voice brimming with arrogance. “I’m calling Mrs. Carter right now, and you’ll be out of a job soon!”

“You don’t need to call me; I’m already here,” a stern female voice interrupted from the entrance of the banquet hall—it was Laura.

I felt a mix of sadness and relief. When I first started dating Liam, Laura had warned me about his dishonesty. But I had been so determined to make the whole world my enemy for him, including my own mother who loved me most. The harsh words I had spoken to my parents felt even more shameful now. I had caused them so much pain because of that scumbag.

No one noticed my distress. Instead, everyone rose to greet Laura, surrounding her with enthusiastic welcomes and flattery. Among them, Darlene’s family was the most fervent. Cyril’s eyes lit up, and he immediately bowed and greeted Laura with exaggerated politeness.

“Mrs. Carter, you arrived just in time. Your manager was about to throw us out, but surely a businessman shouldn’t treat guests this way…”

Before he could finish, Laura shot him a cold glance and said indifferently, “That’s my daughter’s decision.”

“What?” Cyril’s confusion was evident.

Liam and Darlene’s faces turned pale, their expressions contorted as if they had seen a ghost.

They stared at me, their faces frozen in disbelief, as if they were trying to convince themselves that what was happening was impossible.

But I paid them no mind and walked gracefully toward Laura.

“Mom.”

The soft, tender call of “Mom” left everyone in stunned silence. It took a long moment for the shock to wear off.

“She is…” Cyril’s voice trembled with fear.