Selena quickly jumped in, saying, "Hold up, is there some misunderstanding? Maybe Stan got played because he's short on experience." This was a rehearsed script. If things went south, they would deny everything and claim they never pocketed the money.

Charlie raised an eyebrow, a cold smile spreading across his face. "Got played? You think I'd buy that?"

"Bro, you gotta believe me. I swear I've never stabbed you in the back. I've been busting my ass for this company, you know? All for that extra two percent profit margin. I ran myself ragged finding the right supplier, and I got played. How was I supposed to know the guy was pulling a fast one?" Stan wailed pitifully.

Tiffany watched, her eyes dripping with disdain. The Olsons were drama queens. To anyone unaware, Stan might seem like the victim.

Charlie's face was a storm cloud, his jaw clenched. The silence spoke volumes. This was serious—he was furious.

"Come on, man, I swear I got played! You gotta believe me!" Stan blubbered, escalating his desperate plea. "Remember when I saved you twice as kids? You said I was your number one bro and you'd always trust me. Said we were closer than real brothers. Did you forget all that?"

At those words, Charlie's rage melted. The storm cleared from his face instantly.

Tiffany knew her dad like a book. She knew Stan had hit the jackpot in the blame game. Charlie valued loyalty and feelings. It was true Stan had saved him twice: once from drowning, almost dying himself; another time from wolves.

Even after becoming wealthy, Charlie never forgot. He'd always give Stan another chance. Tiffany knew the Olsons were up to no good, but she wouldn't interfere. No point in provoking them if she couldn't defeat them.

Charlie caved after Stan's story. "Stay home tomorrow," he said. "I'll clean up this mess." He would pay the $12 million himself.

Stan knew he was still in trouble. Charlie might have forgiven him, but the other shareholders wouldn't be so lenient. His job was lost, but at least he wasn't completely ruined.

Stan's voice cracked. "Thanks, bro."

And just like that, the $12 million scandal was buried. Stan escaped with a slap on the wrist, losing his job but avoiding serious repercussions. Charlie left after a brief conversation with Thalia.

The tension at home was palpable. Everyone was afraid to speak. Thalia rubbed her temples; her headache had returned. Tiffany summoned a servant for warm milk and helped her mother to bed.

Thalia looked drained. "You and Eric should rest too—you have classes the day after tomorrow."

Upstairs, Eric vented. "Dad's too soft on them. I thought he'd finally kick them out, but no—he just lets it slide."

Tiffany chuckled. "It's the usual mess. You'll get over it." While talking, she discreetly edited a video she planned to send anonymously to Selena. This was her second "bombshell," titled "Dog Eat Dog."

Downstairs, Selena praised Stan. She playfully patted his back, laughing. "You sly dog, that trick was pure gold!"

Sandra nodded approvingly when they were alone. "Dad totally nailed it. I almost felt bad for Uncle."

They thought Stan's performance was Oscar-worthy, but his tears were genuine; he was genuinely angry about being duped. This made his act flawless. When Selena and Sandra praised him, he snapped, "Enough already, shut it!" He couldn't admit the truth; it would be humiliating.

Selena, having been ignored twice, latched onto his arm. "What's your problem? You keep snapping at me. I'll let it slide, just hand over the money."

Stan stormed off, slamming the door. Selena tried to follow, but Sandra stopped her. "Cool it, Mom. We need to be careful; someone's always listening."

They were on the Kelleys' turf and needed to be cautious. "Don't sweat it, Mom. Dad won't spend the cash. It'll all come out in the wash. Just keep your cool and let him save face," Sandra added.

Selena's phone buzzed. She checked it, expecting spam, but found a video with a black thumbnail. She was about to delete it when she tapped to play it.

The screen showed a hotel bed; two scantily clad women and Stan. Selena was stunned.

"So that's why the jerk kept freaking out about money. No wonder he didn't come home that night, claiming he was with clients," Selena fumed.

Sandra saw the video too. It was undeniable. She wondered who sent it and why. Blackmail was possible, but the timing suggested something more complex. The repeated website plug has been removed as it is irrelevant to the story's content.