Lance stayed silent, leaning against the wall with a relaxed demeanor.

"Caesar Wilson!" Zandra huffed.

Lance closed his eyes.

Zandra stared at Lance and took a deep breath, her fury choking her words.

After what seemed like an eternity, Zandra exhaled deeply, and her madness finally dissipated. “You've seen what your sister has become. Why is she so terrified of you?"

Lance opened his eyes as he looked into Zandra's eyes. "I'm wondering the same thing. Why?"

Straightening his posture, Lance began pacing toward the window.

“Before she was put in the detention center, she was fine. She even confronted me boldly in the interrogation room, demanding her release. But after she got out, she changed completely."

"It must be the atmosphere in that place," Zandra remarked, her voice tinged with concern.

“Do you think it was a mistake to have her detained?" Lance raised an eyebrow.

Lance's piercing gaze locked onto Zandra, making her squirm. She couldn't outright say he was wrong, so she diverted the conversation.

"You weren't like this before. This time, you treat Keilani mercilessly since she has crossed Miss Ramirez. Is Miss Ramirez more important than your sister?"

"Are you shifting the blame on Bettie? Do you resent her because she isn't swayed by money like Keilani had bullied and offended?"

Lance's words stung, and Zandra's face flushed with embarrassment.

She lowered her head and sighed. “I'm just thinking you could've spared Keilani a few days in the detention center."

Lance scoffed. "Mom, do you believe your brother can pull all the strings in Mathias? Do you think I can manage whatever I want? When Tyrone's ex-wife, Sabrina, found out Bettie was involved, she was hell-bent on seeking justice. If Bettie hadn't intervened, Sabrina would have gone straight to the Brooks family."

The Brooks family, a political powerhouse in Mathias, had always vied with the Nelsons for dominance. In the last election, the Brooks family had been defeated by Royce and were itching for a chance to bring Royce down. But they had no dirt on Royce.

If the Brooks family caught wind of this, Royce would have no choice but to let Keilani face prosecution. This process could drag on for months.

Lance continued, "You know what fate awaits Keilani if the Brooks family gets involved. Bettie wanted justice for herself, yet she stopped Sabrina for my sake. Bettie's restraint is why Keilani faced such a mild punishment. As Bettie's boyfriend, I couldn't outright seek justice for her, but she showed me understanding. Do you know how much this troubled me? Mom, you and Keilani owe her a debt of gratitude."

Lance didn't want Zandra harboring any ill will toward Bettie because of Keilani. As for Sabrina, the seemingly impulsive one in Lance's tale, she harbored enough animosity toward Keilani to last a lifetime.