Their car was waiting just outside the hotel. The driver assisted in loading Claudia's wheelchair into the trunk.

Both Jace and Claudia settled into the backseat, each immersed in their own reflections of the recent encounter with the Nixon family.

Suddenly, Jace exhaled a deep sigh. "Cece, you've come a long way."

Claudia, caught in a wave of emotion, looked at her father. "Dad, I apologize. I was rather stubborn."

Jace understood her sentiment well. Despite his friendship with Henry, he had never really supported Claudia's union with Anthony.

Jace, a man of humble ambitions and scholarly pride, had watched Anthony grow up.

Anthony was a charming figure, no doubt, but Jace didn't consider him an ideal husband for Claudia.

Anthony, although exceptional, was excessively prideful. His upbringing in an affluent family had accustomed him to obedience, and Jace feared Claudia would lose herself, succumbing to his every command.

He was just trying to protect his precious daughter.

Jace's eyes misted over as he heard Claudia‘s sincere apology.

“ALL I've ever wished for is your happiness and safety.

That's all that matters."

As Claudia and Jace poured out their hearts, Anthony found himself in a difficult situation.

Claudia and Jace departed, leaving behind a strained atmosphere as the two families went their separate ways.

Rachel, witnessing Delilah's submissive stance on the floor, boiled over with rage. “Why remain on your knees? Do you want people to think we're tormenting you?"

Everly shot Delilah a scornful look, voicing out her disbelief. "I do wonder if Anthony is blind or not. I just can't believe that he would dump Claudia and is attracted by such a tramp."

The biting remarks from Everly caused Delilah to clench her fists.

Never before had Claudia Lashed out at her so bitterly. Who gave Everly such audacity?

Coincidentally, Anthony returned from his futile pursuit of Claudia.

Observing the unfolding scene, Delilah mustered the strength to rise, contriving to fall into Anthony's embrace.

As if driven by instinct, Anthony moved to steady her. As he looked down, he found a pitiful sight of Delilah, hair damp, eyes welling with tears.

A moment of perplexity struck him before he managed to say, “Delilah, do not take what happened tonight to heart."