Larry's eyes widened as the realization dawned on him: Celine had known everything from the moment he was released from prison. She had been waiting.

Everyone assumed she would never reveal the dark secrets of her childhood. A woman, after all, placed the utmost importance on her reputation. She hadn't told Mary or Adam. When he demanded money, she gave it to him. When he knocked her unconscious and kidnapped her, she appeared helpless, a prey ensnared by its predator.

But this was all an illusion. She had been in control the entire time. A small recording device revealed the truth. From his demand for $100 million to his attempted rape in the cave, every step of his crimes had played into her hands. She used her apparent obedience to fuel his greed and her endurance to lure him deeper into his own trap. She baited him with herself. Ten years later, she had sent him back into the abyss.

With numerous charges against him, his fate was sealed—death or life imprisonment. Everything had unfolded exactly as she planned.

Lucy, too, understood. She remembered the day Hansel brought Larry into the Tate family; Celine had stood outside, silently watching.

Lucy stared at Celine in shock. This wasn't the little girl who had sobbed, chasing her mother's car after being abandoned. This wasn't the helpless child who had called for help after being violated. This wasn't the girl wandering aimlessly through the woods, without a home.

Years had passed. Celine had grown, standing tall, confident, and resolute. Her clear eyes radiated unwavering determination.

Turning to the cameras, her voice steady, resonant, and strong, Celine said, "I've never felt ashamed of my life. I don't believe in punishing myself for the crimes of others. If you've experienced what I have, if you've been hurt the same way, remember: don't cower, don't be afraid. I know it's hard, but you must stand up for yourself. No one else can save you. You have to save yourself!"

She had saved herself.

Nearby, Robin was overcome with emotion. Tears welled in her eyes as she clapped.

Reporters, heads bowed in guilt, murmured apologies. "Ms. Celine, we're sorry. We misunderstood you and raised our voices." Another reporter added, "Celine, I have two daughters. I can't imagine the courage it took. You're amazing."

Thumbs went up all around.

Adam watched from a distance, his gaze fixed on Celine. He had doubted her ability to handle things alone. But he had finally seen her trap unfold—her calculated reversal of the situation revealed how wrong he had been. She had said she would handle it herself, and she had. He had dismissed and underestimated her, yet she consistently defied his expectations.

He wasn't sure what kind of women he preferred before, but beauty paired with intelligence and an unyielding spirit was mesmerizing. Celine, in that moment, was radiant.

Nearby, Nathan was stunned. "Adam, you knew, didn't you?"

Adam's silence confirmed it.

Nathan remained silent, aware of the missed opportunity to be her "knight in shining armor," and the shift in their brotherhood.

Meanwhile, Lucy and Carly stood frozen, faces ashen. They hadn't anticipated such a drastic turn of events. They were the ones utterly defeated at this press conference.

Lucy quickly said, "Celine, I'm sorry. I misunderstood you. Please, let me explain. I didn't know anything about this…"

Celine's gaze was stone cold. "Did you really not know anything?"

Before Lucy could respond, police officers stepped forward. "Lucy Garcia, during Larry's escape, you harbored and sheltered a fugitive. We have reasonable suspicion you colluded with him. Please come with us for further investigation."

The officers didn't wait for a response, grabbing Lucy by the arms.