Lucy’s mind buzzed, her thoughts momentarily freezing. She suddenly recalled taking Larry in after his escape. Shocked, she turned to Celine. “Was it you?”
Celine, who had orchestrated Larry’s release through Leo, anticipating he would go to the Tate family, met Lucy’s gaze with an innocent expression and a faint smile. “I don’t understand your accusation, Mom. You don’t owe me an explanation. Save it for the authorities.”
“How dare you!” Lucy’s voice cracked.
From a distance, Larry, restrained by police, cried out desperately, “I don’t want to go to jail! Mrs. Tate, save me! Please, save me!”
The crowd’s attention shifted sharply to Lucy. Whispers spread like wildfire, ruining her reputation as a good mother. Lucy panicked. “Shut up! Make him stop!”
Reporters murmured among themselves. “Didn’t that man go to prison ten years ago for molesting a child? Are we supposed to believe she didn’t know?”
“And she still associates with someone who harmed her own daughter? What kind of mother is that?”
“Didn’t you hear? Mrs. Tate’s the ultimate ‘pick-me’ girl. First for Hayden, now for Carly.”
The phrase “ultimate pick-me girl” hit Lucy like a slap. Flushed with anger, she protested, “No, it’s not like that! That’s not true!” But two officers, one on each side, gripped her arms and escorted her away.
Carly froze, her face blanking with panic. How had it come to this? What was she supposed to do? The press conference had gone horribly wrong; they’d fallen into a trap.
She started to call out, “Mom!” but the judgmental stares and murmurs made her stop.
Benjamin, whose mind raced to understand the events, noticed Celine’s clear eyes fixed on him. A pang of guilt struck him; he hadn’t known about her past horrors.
Celine approached. “Benjamin, are you thirsty?”
Baffled by the abrupt question, Benjamin could only stare. Celine smiled sweetly. “If you’re thirsty, have some nut milk. It’s good for your brain.” She then turned and walked away, Robin laughing as she followed.
Benjamin stood speechless. Had she just suggested nut milk to improve his brainpower? Was she implying he was stupid? His guilt vanished, replaced by anger. He shouted, “Celine! Come back and explain yourself!”
Carly approached, eyes glistening with unshed tears. She couldn’t lose him. “Benjamin, I don’t know how things turned out like this. I had no idea Larry was such a monster.”
Benjamin’s expression soured. “Don’t mention that bastard. He’s done for. He’ll rot in prison! And Carly, don’t blame yourself. You’re kind and beautiful. You were deceived, like the rest of us.”