Bexley prepared herself and replied, "Sure, what's on your mind?"

With a serious expression, Richard asked, "I want to know the real story behind the scalds on your face. If someone hurt you, I promise I'll make it right. I've already made some calls about your scars. They say the scars can be fixed."

The thought of fixing her scars brought a spark of hope to Bexley's eyes, and she asked with a bit of excitement, "Really? You can do that?"

Richard confirmed with a nod, "Yes. Now, will you tell me what really happened?"

Bexley, with a hint of defensiveness, responded, “Mr. Harris, have you heard any rumors? Why would I hurt myself just to blame someone else?"

It seemed only the waitress had witnessed it, which was to her advantage.

Richard let out a sigh and said, "Brenda has already spoken to Lilah, and Lilah denies doing it."

"So, you're taking her word over mine?" Bexley didn't see Brenda's call to Lilah coming.

Seeing how Bexley hesitated to spill the beans, Brenda chimed in, "Since you both are so sure you're in the right, let's just wait for your folks to arrive. We'll invite Lilah over so you two can sort this out face to face."

Thinking Lilah had no evidence and wouldn't be taken seriously, Bexley confidently remarked, "She probably won't even show up, knowing she's in the wrong."

Brenda assured her, "Don't worry about that. If she's at fault and doesn't show up, you'll have me on your side."

"Thanks, Mrs. Harris."

Meanwhile, at her own place, Lilah noticed Gerard was missing and decided to give him a call. “Gerard, I thought you had the day off?"

Gerard responded, "Got pulled into a last-minute critical deal that I have to take care of."

"WiLL you make it back for dinner?"

"Lilah, it'll depend on how things turn out. I'll give you a call later," Gerard explained, his attention partly on the contract documents.

“Okay," Lilah replied with a laugh.

Two hours later, her phone rang. It was Gerard. “Lilah, are you home?"

“Yes! Hey, Gerard, are you on your way back?" Lilah asked, her tone filled with warmth and softness.

Gerard whispered, “Lilah, my mom just called. We have to head back to the old mansion."

"What?" She looked confused.

He went on, "It's about Bexley's burn accident. Her parents found out and they're asking for an explanation."

She got it. Bexley was trying to escalate things.

Lilah chuckled. "Alright, let's head out."