"I know, but this matter won't subside if we do nothing. It will only get worse as more people hear about it. Benson, you know family scandals shouldn't be aired in public" Pauline's words struck a nerve. After all, Benson cared most about his reputation.

Originally, only friends and relatives of the Evans and Morel families knew about this. But if nothing was done, it would escalate. The Evans family's reputation would be

Seeing Benson wavering, Pauline said, "Why don't we let Gretchen and Martin date? The Morels don't object, and people will forget about Martin and Gwenda soon enough. No one will say anything. Besides, it won't hurt our relationship with the Morels."

"Fine, fine, do what you want." Benson finally conceded.

Pauline's eyes gleamed triumphantly. "By the way, how's Gwenda?" A hint of hurt crept into Pauline's tone. "I've tried contacting her, but she's blocked me."

"That useless child!" Benson's anger, as Pauline expected, flared. He slammed his teacup on the table.

Triumphantly, Pauline continued her act of being a good wife. "She's just a child, Benson. If you're concerned, I'll visit."

"Forget it!" Benson snarled. The slightest mention of his daughter irritated him. "If she wants to live alone, let her. It's better if she never comes back!"

Pauline rolled her eyes. She knew Benson didn't mean it. He'd never let his daughter live alone for fear of the gossip it would generate.

An idea struck Pauline. Feigning anger, she said, "Fine. If you won't find Gwenda, I will. I won't let a child like her live alone without support!"

She turned and left. Benson glanced at her but didn't stop her.

The next day, Gwenda slept late. Though it was the weekend, she rarely slept in. Thinking about why she'd slept so late angered her. If not for Olivier's strange comments last night, she wouldn't have tossed and turned until morning.

Yawning, Gwenda got up, went to the bathroom, made her bed, got dressed, and called Hattie.

"Hey, Gwenda, you're up."

"How's the thing I asked you to do last night?" Gwenda asked while preparing breakfast.

"It's done. The internet's full of Lan's scandal, and 'The Best Singer' production team called. They've decided to let Cecilia interview." Hattie laughed scornfully. "Gwenda, they're disgusting. Before, they refused us, but now they're acting like we're suddenly worth their time."

Gwenda chuckled, carrying her breakfast to the dining table. "People in the music industry are like that. You get used to it. Follow up on Cecilia's interview. Let me know if anything happens."

"You're not doing it personally?"

"Nope. She'll definitely get it, so I'm not wasting my time." Gwenda planned her next move.

"Okay, I'll let Cecilia know."

"Okay."

After hanging up, Gwenda savored her breakfast. The doorbell rang. Startled, she wondered who it could be. Peering through the peephole, Gwenda's good mood soured at the sight of the visitor.