With tears streaming down her face, Delilah Lifted her head, exuding an air of desolation and utter vulnerability.

“I didn't mean to upset Claudia, Anthony, I'm sorry!"

In the past, such a display from her would have melted his heart. But now, contemplating the online rumors, his emotions were in turmoil.

Had Delilah transformed into someone else? Or had he been blind to her true nature all this while? Was this the real Delilah?

His eyes filled with confusion, Anthony addressed her in an uncharacteristically harsh tone, "You're claiming innocence now? Then what about that recording?"

Delilah paled at his words.

She tried to speak, but words eluded her. After a moment of silence, she managed a whisper, "I'm sorry, Anthony."

“Save your apologies. Cece's the one who's really hurting here. You should be saying sorry to her!"

Biting her lip, Delilah bravely brushed away her tears and posed the question, “Anthony, do you have any intentions of apologizing to Cece?"

"I... I'LL go with you. I have to apologize to Cece myself!”

Anthony's tone hardened slightly, "No, Delilah. If you accompany me, Claudia will resent me even more. If you truly understand your mistake, let's not cross paths again."

With that, he climbed back into his car.

Delilah stared after him, disbelief and surprise in her tear-filled eyes.

It was the first she had ever heard such harsh words from Anthony!

The black car receded into the distance, leaving Delilah alone and vulnerable.

It took her a moment to regain her senses.

As she clenched her fists, the bystanders’ comments and her tears faded away, replaced by determination and resentment in her eyes.

She refused to accept defeat from Claudia!

Anthony pulled up at the entrance of the Marshall family villa. Exiting the car, he dialed Jace's number on his phone.

Being on Claudia's block list forced him to call Jace.

At the other end, Jace was busy peeling a grapefruit when his phone rang. Without checking who it was, he requested Claudia, "Can you answer that for me, sweetheart?"

Setting aside her phone, Claudia picked up Jace's. Seeing the name flashing on the screen, she abruptly hung up and blocked the number.