Hannah declared, with a righteous look, "Since she's apologized of her own accord, she should apologize to Susan."
Martina's face contorted. Even her practiced composure couldn't mask her reaction. Susan was her lifelong nemesis. Since childhood, they'd clashed constantly. Other wealthy girls avoided Martina, but Susan never yielded, always offering opposing views. Later, Martina's humiliation deepened when Manuel, the object of her affections, chose Susan. The thought of apologizing to Susan was unbearable.
Loretta understood her daughter's turmoil. Demanding an apology was agonizing for Martina. She silently cursed Hannah for this turn of events, resenting Hannah's self-righteousness and considering Martina's apology an honor already. Her anger simmered, but the surrounding crowd prevented a hasty retreat. Everyone awaited Martina's apology; escape was impossible.
Lee intervened smoothly, "Martina, you're being childish. How could you break Susan's phone so clumsily? Apologize." He aimed to diffuse the situation, though his casual tone couldn't entirely mask the gravity of the moment. Martina, with no other option, seemed resigned to apologize.
Susan straightened, anticipating Martina's submission, secretly pleased by Hannah's unexpected favor. Lee's face darkened when Martina remained silent. In their social circle, patriarchal authority was absolute. Martina's eyes welled with anxiety. Loretta urged her, "Martina, you broke Susan's phone. It's your fault." Martina, enduring her mother's pinch, glared at Susan, who grinned triumphantly. Loretta's impatience mounted, "Martina."
"Sorry," Martina mumbled, the word strained and laced with unshed tears. The humiliation was almost unbearable; she resented everyone for this predicament. Hannah snickered coldly. She blamed the Sawyers' cultivated image of refinement and obedience for this predicament, vowing one day to expose their hypocrisy.
Susan responded magnanimously, "It's nothing. You're too young to understand. Don't bark at people next time."
Martina's composure shattered. Susan's condescending remark stung; she was about to retaliate when Loretta intervened, "Let's get Martina some dessert; she hasn't had dinner." Loretta prevented further family disgrace. Martina, seething, shot a venomous glare at Susan before leaving with her mother.
As they turned, a loud rip echoed. Martina screamed. Her evening gown had torn, exposing her bra strap. Hannah, slightly flustered, admitted to accidentally stepping on the dress. Martina, frantic with embarrassment, covered her chest and cried. Loretta, shielding her daughter, angrily hushed the onlookers. Their humiliation was complete; how could they face society again?
Charles quickly offered his coat. Lee's face was grim. The Sawyers had never endured such public shame. Loretta and Martina fled. Martina sobbed, consumed by embarrassment and rage. She believed Hannah acted deliberately.
Hannah and Susan exchanged knowing glances. Susan marveled at Hannah's boldness. Lee attempted to salvage the situation with a forced smile, "Accidents happen. Let's toast!" Miguel, the host, skillfully steered the conversation towards a more convivial tone. The sophisticated guests quickly moved on. The atmosphere seemingly returned to normal.
Later, Charles dragged Hannah to the garden, his anger barely contained. "What were you doing?" he demanded. Hannah feigned innocence, blaming Martina's hasty movement.
Charles stared intently, "Hannah, you've changed." Hannah, concealing her true motives, denied any change. Charles, however, sensed a shift in her, a loss of control he found unsettling. Hannah probed, "Are you upset because I've clashed with your family?" The question revealed a pattern from her past life – anticipating and appeasing Charles's displeasure, even at any cost.