Blood trickled from Brylee's forehead. Cowering in fear, she sought refuge behind her mother, her voice caught in her throat.

Barlow bent to retrieve his phone, then turned his attention to Harlan.

"I've said before, it's in your best interest to cut ties with a woman as morally bankrupt and malicious as her. She'll only weigh you down.”

Harlan managed a strained smile, watching as Barlow departed with Rosalynn. A pang of envy tugged at him.

He wished he could count himself among Rosalynn's suitors.

“My apologies, everyone. Tonight's wedding is hereby cancelled. ALL gifts will be returned,” Harlan announced, mustering up some semblance of cheerfulness.

The guests, having had their fill of drama, exited the scene with a sense of morbid satisfaction.

"No, Harlan, please don't cancel the wedding. Believe me, it was Rosalynn who orchestrated this!" Brylee pleaded, tears streaking her face as she clung to Harlan's hand.

Harlan shook off her grasp, maintaining a facade of calm.

"Really? Enlighten me, why would she frame you?"

Brylee answered, "She's envious. She thinks I've stolen you from her. That's why she schemed against me!"

Harlan scoffed, “Still spinning tales, Brylee?"

His gaze Landed on the men huddled together.

“Asher, better spill the truth now, or I'm calling the cops!"

Asher was visibly shaking in his boots.

“I'LL tell you! Brylee directed us to assault Rosalynn and record the incident. She wanted to disgrace Rosalynn. We didn't anticipate that Rosalynn would turn the tables on us."

"Yes, that's the truth," the other two chimed in.

Harlan's gaze filled with revulsion as he turned to Brylee.

“Brylee, your actions are repugnant. Why must you continuously antagonize Rosalynn? She has never shown any interest in me!"

Brylee's face contorted in rage.

“Don't you understand why I resent Rosalynn? You may mean nothing to her, but she means everything to you! You wouldn't give her up unless her reputation is tarnished, would you?”

Harlan realized that reasoning with her was pointless.