Lucyโs mind buzzed, her thoughts momentarily freezing. She suddenly recalled taking Larry in after his escape. Shocked, she turned to Celine. โWas it you?โ
Celine, who had orchestrated Larryโs release through Leo, anticipating he would go to the Tate family, met Lucyโs gaze with an innocent expression and a faint smile. โI donโt understand your accusation, Mom. You donโt owe me an explanation. Save it for the authorities.โ
โHow dare you!โ Lucyโs voice cracked.
From a distance, Larry, restrained by police, cried out desperately, โI donโt want to go to jail! Mrs. Tate, save me! Please, save me!โ
The crowdโs attention shifted sharply to Lucy. Whispers spread like wildfire, ruining her reputation as a good mother. Lucy panicked. โShut up! Make him stop!โ
Reporters murmured among themselves. โDidnโt that man go to prison ten years ago for molesting a child? Are we supposed to believe she didnโt know?โ
โAnd she still associates with someone who harmed her own daughter? What kind of mother is that?โ
โDidnโt you hear? Mrs. Tateโs the ultimate โpick-meโ girl. First for Hayden, now for Carly.โ
The phrase โultimate pick-me girlโ hit Lucy like a slap. Flushed with anger, she protested, โNo, itโs not like that! Thatโs not true!โ But two officers, one on each side, gripped her arms and escorted her away.
Carly froze, her face blanking with panic. How had it come to this? What was she supposed to do? The press conference had gone horribly wrong; theyโd fallen into a trap.
She started to call out, โMom!โ but the judgmental stares and murmurs made her stop.
Benjamin, whose mind raced to understand the events, noticed Celineโs clear eyes fixed on him. A pang of guilt struck him; he hadnโt known about her past horrors.
Celine approached. โBenjamin, are you thirsty?โ
Baffled by the abrupt question, Benjamin could only stare. Celine smiled sweetly. โIf youโre thirsty, have some nut milk. Itโs good for your brain.โ She then turned and walked away, Robin laughing as she followed.
Benjamin stood speechless. Had she just suggested nut milk to improve his brainpower? Was she implying he was stupid? His guilt vanished, replaced by anger. He shouted, โCeline! Come back and explain yourself!โ
Carly approached, eyes glistening with unshed tears. She couldnโt lose him. โBenjamin, I donโt know how things turned out like this. I had no idea Larry was such a monster.โ
Benjaminโs expression soured. โDonโt mention that bastard. Heโs done for. Heโll rot in prison! And Carly, donโt blame yourself. Youโre kind and beautiful. You were deceived, like the rest of us.โ