Why Should I Apologize?

Evelyn didn't hesitate.

"It's simple.

You and Isabella need to do another live stream.

Or perhaps a full press conference.

Whatever method you choose.

The important thing is a public apology from both of you.

And the compensation you mentioned.

I'll be taking that as well.

Consider it payment for emotional distress."

Patricia's composure nearly shattered.

Her lips pressed into a tight line.

"Compensation?

I thought you claimed not to care about money?"

Evelyn let out a soft, derisive sound.

"Did I say that?

You have plenty of money, don't you?

I'm sure you can manage a suitably generous amount."

Patricia closed her eyes briefly.

Her voice was rough with contained anger.

"The money is acceptable.

But a public apology?

That is absolutely out of the question."

A public apology would be a full admission.

It would confirm every accusation Evelyn had made.

The situation was already a disaster.

But Patricia clung to the last remnants of her public dignity.

"Is that so?" Evelyn's tone was flat.

"Then I suppose our conversation is over."

The line went dead.

Evelyn had hung up.

Patricia was left speechless.

"Hello? Evelyn! Evelyn!" she sputtered into the silent phone.

She was completely blindsided.

She never expected Evelyn to simply end the call.

Pure fury coursed through her.

She had planned every step meticulously.

Somehow, Evelyn had outmaneuvered her.

Not only was Julian still detained.

Her own reputation was now in tatters.

Frustration consumed her.

Patricia paced the room anxiously.

As if on cue, Isabella entered.

She was oblivious to the tension.

"Well? Did it work?

Did Evelyn agree to destroy the evidence?"

Patricia spun around to face her.

The hopeful look on Isabella's face was the final spark.

It was all Isabella's fault!

If not for her interference, none of this would have happened.

Without thinking, Patricia's hand shot out.

She delivered a sharp slap across Isabella's face.

"You!" Patricia exploded. "How dare you show your face? If you hadn't been so shamelessly chasing my son, we wouldn't be in this mess!"

Isabella gasped.

Her hand flew to her stinging cheek.

Disbelief was written all over her face.

"How can you say that?" she cried. "You're the one who said you hated Evelyn! You promised I would marry Julian! That's why I stayed by his side! How can you blame everything on me now?"

Patricia trembled with rage.

She pointed a shaking finger at Isabella.

"Enough! No more lies. You will apologize to Evelyn publicly. You will admit this is all your fault! Or you will regret it!"

"Why should I apologize?" Isabella shot back defiantly. "You interfering old woman! If you hadn't targeted Evelyn, she wouldn't have retaliated. This is your doing!"

Isabella had endured so much for years.

All for the hope of gaining Patricia's favor.

She believed saving Julian would make her the family's heroine.

She thought it would secure her place.

She never imagined this betrayal.

Blind with rage, Isabella lunged.

Her eyes burned with malice.

She didn't hesitate.

She slapped Patricia back across the face.

Patricia gasped in utter shock.

She was stunned that Isabella would dare hit her.

In an instant, the two women were locked in a violent struggle.