He saw Lucy on TV, and the smile vanished from Hayden's face. He froze.

With a microphone in hand, the reporter said, "Who says being a 'pick-me' isn't an economy? Hats off to this suspect—she's the ultimate pick-me! She's doing it with such flair, such passion"

Hayden remained silent.

The three businessmen didn't bother hiding their distaste. They pushed back their chairs and stood.

Hayden hurriedly tried to salvage the situation. "Gentlemen, please wait"

The trio glanced at him, their lips curled in sardonic smiles. "Mr. Tate, you're really something. We could never hope to match your charm." With that, they walked out.

That day, the ultimate pick-me, Lucy, had her moment of infamy. Her antics dragged Hayden into the spotlight, making him the subject of ridicule among the businessmen.

Hayden's face darkened. He threw the glass on the floor with all his might.

Just then, his phone rang. It was Carly. "Dad, something terrible happened! The press conference was a disaster. Mom's been arrested! You need to get a lawyer and get her out now!" Carly cried.

Outside the police station, the night dragged on. Hayden, accompanied by a lawyer, finally managed to get Lucy released.

Lucy's face was pale. This was her first time in jail. "Honey, I can explain"

The sharp sound of Hayden's slap echoed in the room. His hand left a vivid red imprint across Lucy's face; her head snapped to the side from the force of the blow.

Hayden's face darkened. "You've made me a laughingstock! How the hell am I supposed to face anyone in the business world now? Lucy, you've ruined me!"

Lucy clutched her stinging cheek, but dared not speak. Her humiliation turned to seething anger toward Celine. This was all her fault!

Carly stood silently to the side, her expression indifferent as she watched Lucy get slapped. She made no move to intervene. In her eyes, Lucy was just a stepmother, not her real mother. "Dad, what do we do now?"

Hayden turned to Carly. "Carly, I've noticed Mr. Alvarez's attitude toward Celine has changed. He's the key to everything. You need to make sure he stays firmly in your corner."

Carly let out a cold laugh. Lifting her chin proudly, she declared, "Dad, do you think Celine actually believes Adam likes her? She's delusional. I'll show her her place soon enough."

Even now, Carly didn't see Celine as a threat. Sure, Celine had won a few rounds lately. However, when it came to Adam, Celine would never win. She could try, but she wouldn't believe it!

Celine had just returned to the Alvarez Residence when her phone buzzed. It was a call from Carly.

"Celine, are you free? Let's grab some coffee," Carly said.

(The final "Star T" appears to be extraneous and has been removed.)