Celine reminded them they were there to beg for her help. Senia, Carly, and Tracy froze, their fiery attitude extinguished, their pride lost.

Celine gestured to close the door, but Sonia intervened. “Celine, don’t close the door. We’re here to beg you for help. Please help us. Please?”

Sonia was the first to capitulate. Celine raised an eyebrow and looked at the others. Wayne and Hazel followed Sonia’s lead, lowering their heads.

“Celine, we were wrong. Please help us, if only because we’re family,” Wayne pleaded.

Hayden lowered his head. “Celine, let’s not cause this family any more grief. Please help us.”

Celine looked at Lucy, who refused to yield. She realized everything had spiraled out of control. This shouldn't be happening. She couldn't comprehend how Celine, whom she'd abandoned as a child, had become a genius, living in luxury with an expensive car, while her family had been swindled of everything and lived on the streets. Now, they had to beg Celine for help. What had happened?

Lucy hesitated, but Sonia’s vicious glare forced her compliance. Unwillingly, Lucy conceded. “Celine, I was wrong. Your surname is still Tate. Please help us.”

Celine looked at Carly and Tracy. Tracy lowered her head. “Celine, please.” Carly gritted her teeth. “Celine, please.”

Celine’s gaze landed on Carly. “Carly, what are you saying? I can’t hear you clearly. Can you say it a little louder?”

Celine's request for Carly to speak louder infuriated her. "You!" she began, but Sonia quickly tugged at her sleeve.

Carly looked up to see Celine standing casually by the doorway, a hint of a smile playing on her lips as she watched Carly's humiliation. Carly was furious, nearly bursting into tears, but she had no choice. “Celine, please,” she said, raising her voice.

Celine smiled. The once arrogant Tate family, who would have gladly crushed her, were now bowing before her, begging for help. The irony wasn't lost on her.

Just then, Celine saw Adam, a handsome, strong figure. He had returned unnoticed, their paths intersecting in the hallway, allowing him to silently observe the scene. Their eyes met. Carly also noticed Adam and immediately approached him. “Adam,” she said. “Mr. Alvarez.”

Adam strode forward. Carly linked her arm through his. “Adam, you’ve seen Celine’s true colors, haven’t you? She’s forcing us to bow to her, even though we’re family. She’s selfish and unfeeling, a crafty, stingy person.”

Celine stifled her laughter. Only now did they remember she was family—whether she wanted to be or not. She didn't care what Adam thought. She smiled calmly at him. “Mr. Alvarez.”