Lilah, aware of his motives, responded tersely, “What's the real reason you're calling?"

Memories of past conflicts with him and his family made her voice turn frosty.

Onyx gave an uneasy laugh. “Hey, we're all family here. I've heard about what Lance has done. How about we meet up and he can apologize face-to-face?"

Lilah kept her response icy. "No thanks on the apologies. I'm not interested."

“Lance has been dealt with; he's even been hospitalized. Let's move past this for the family's sake. Could you find it in you to forgive him?" Onyx pleaded, trying to appeal to their family connection.

She scoffed, “Really? A half-hearted apology is supposed to make everything alright? Don't make me laugh."

Onyx, wounded by her dismissal and conscious of Gerard's sway, attempted to defuse the tension. "He's made a mistake, Lilah. Forgive him just this once. I swear it's the last time."

Lilah chuckled coldly. “You don't actually believe that yourself, do you?"

With that, she disconnected.

Offering smiles to those who intend harm only provides them more chances to strike.

Lilah was too wise to fall for that trap.

Watching Lilah disconnect, Onyx's expression grew stormy. Tess, who was standing close by, inquired, "Did Lilah accept the apology?"

He simply shook his head. "No."

"She's relentless, dismissing our family bonds," Tess commented sharply.

Lance, nearly mended from his injuries, caught wind of the conversation and seethed, announcing, "I'll get back at her for this, Dad!"

Onyx was seething. “Lower your voice, and lay low for now. Don't antagonize her further. It could bring catastrophe on all of us."

Unable to hide his exasperation, Lance protested, "Dad, are we just going to let her trample over us?"

Observing her son's torment, Tess felt a surge of anguish mixed with rage. "She only has the nerve to harm my son because she believes Gerard has her back. She's not getting off easy."

Onyx snapped sharply, “Enough! If Lilah doesn't step down, we're far from finished. Tomorrow, I'll have a word with Matthew."

At the mention of Gerard, Lance's confidence waned. “Dad, if she doesn't forgive me, do you think Gerard will retaliate against me again?"

Onyx appeared unsure. “Once I speak with Matthew, I'm confident Lilah will soften."

He had enough familiarity with Matthew to be sure of that outcome.

Feeling a bit reassured, Lance eased his tension.

As Tess reflected on Lance's injuries, her fists tightened, and her face contorted with intense anger.

Lilah dared to hurt her son; Tess vowed that she wouldn't let the woman get away with it.

The following morning, Matthew was tidying up his house when a knock at the door interrupted him. He opened it to find Onyx there.

Confused, Matthew said, "Hey, what's up?"

"Are you just going to leave me out here? Aren't you going to invite me in?" Onyx teased, a smile broadening on his face.

Matthew stepped back, welcoming him inside.

He understood Onyx had a significant reason for his visit.

As they moved to the living room, Onyx remarked, “It's nice and tidy in here."

Matthew settled on the couch and motioned to Onyx. “I just did a bit of cleaning. Have a seat."

Onyx nodded and took his place on the opposite couch.

Matthew looked at him with anticipation. "So, what brings you here?"

Onyx cut straight to the chase. "There's some tension between Lance and Lilah. I was hoping you could speak with Lilah, maybe get her to tone it down a bit. We are family, after all."