Larry cried, his performance so convincing that even he almost believed it. "I sold everything to send her to school, gave up everything to send her to the big city. And now? She refuses to acknowledge me! Says I embarrass her and wants me to go back to the countryside…" His acting was flawless.

Reporters snapped photos frantically. An adoptive daughter abandoning her rural adoptive father was headline-worthy. They were eager for an exclusive.

The journalists sympathized deeply with Larry and openly criticized Celine. "How could she be so heartless?" one exclaimed. Another added, "I never believed in inherent evil until now!"

Benjamin, his voice filled with righteous anger, handed Larry a tissue. "Today's press conference is to expose Celine. Too many people don't know what she's really like. She can't abandon her adoptive father! She must take responsibility!"

Larry wiped his face, a sly smile briefly crossing his lips. No matter Adam's protection, Celine wouldn't escape him.

Lucy exchanged a quick glance with Carly. Both were pleased.

Hayden hadn't bothered to attend. The press conference was sufficient to deal with Celine; he was at a business dinner, awaiting good news from Lucy.

Lucy, adopting a pained expression, apologized. "Ladies and gentlemen, I owe you an apology. Celine is my daughter. My failure as a mother led to this. I'm not a good mother."

Carly immediately took her hand. "Mom, it's not your fault."

The reporters chimed in. "Mrs. Tate, you're a wonderful mother! Look at Carly!" Another added, "Celine is rotten to the core. Some people can't be taught."

Lucy's lips curved slightly. Using Celine as a stepping stone, she'd successfully presented herself as a good mother.

Benjamin spoke again. "The press conference has started, but Celine hasn't shown up. Guilty conscience?"

His words were barely out when a clear, confident voice rang out. "Benjamin, are you talking about me?"

Everyone turned to see Celine standing at the door. She entered alone, walking steadily toward Benjamin as the reporters parted.

"You've got some nerve showing up!" Benjamin snapped.

Celine raised an eyebrow, her expression playful yet sharp. "Benjamin, make up your mind. Do you want me here or not?"

"How dare you!" Benjamin's face flushed. The so-called "little tyrant of Mercity" had lost to Celine again.

Lucy smirked. Celine's arrival was even better. She signaled Larry.

Larry reached for Celine's hand. "Celine…"

Celine's eyes turned icy. "Don't touch me. You make me sick."

Larry froze.

Lucy quickly stirred the crowd. "Celine, how can you treat your adoptive father like this?"

Carly added, "Celine, apologize and take him home."

Benjamin exclaimed, "Celine, you're despicable!"

The reporters swarmed. "This is hideous! We'll make sure the world knows!"

Adam and Nathan entered to this chaotic scene. Celine stood alone, surrounded and besieged.