The doctor, clad in a stark white coat, nodded gravely, his movements deliberate. He retrieved a stethoscope, pressing its cold metal against Brenda's still chest, listening for a sign, a miracle.

Everyone watched him with bated breath.

“How is Brenda?" Jameson's voice quivered with barely contained despair.

“Sorry, I was too late," the doctor said with a heavy sigh, shaking his head solemnly. "She has passed away."

Lilah's body stiffened, a cold sweat breaking out on her back as tears streamed down her face uncontrollably.

Consumed by a profound sorrow, she felt a crushing weight on her heart, each breath a struggle against the suffocating grief.

Gritting his teeth, Jameson snarled, "It's your fault! Both of you are to blame!"

Then, with anger seething in his eyes, he stormed out of the room.

Lilah was aware that he was likely on his way to fetch other Harris family members to confront them, but right now, both Gerard and she were too overwhelmed by their own grief to handle any further confrontations.

The two were consumed by grief, their tears flowing freely as they grappled with the magnitude of their loss.

About fifteen minutes later, the villa was besieged by the arrival of almost the entire Harris family. A dozen vehicles pulled up in unison, their presence exuding an overwhelming sense of intimidation that hung heavy in the air above the villa.

"What on earth happened? Brenda was perfectly fine yesterday; how could this have happened?"

The moment they walked in, their voices boomed with criticism.

Among the gathering were Gerard's uncles and distant relatives, each wearing expressions marked by anger and concern as they stared intently at Gerard and Lilah.

Overwhelmed by the weight of their stares and unable to muster a defense, Lilah felt a deep, gnawing guilt.

Beside her, Gerard stood silent, stoically enduring the storm of reproaches that descended upon him.

“Gerard, as the head of the Harris family, how could you permit such recklessness that jeopardized your mother's safety? Now that Brenda is gone, what actions will you take to atone for this grave mistake?"

"This woman is nothing but a troublemaker! She nearly drove a wedge between you and us before, and now look at the havoc she's wrought. I might have overlooked past transgressions, but Brenda's death, caused by her actions, is unforgivable. Remember, your mother was the one who loved you most!"

“Gerard, your actions have profoundly disappointed us all. Your impulsive and thoughtless decisions have shown that you lack the judgment required to lead our family. It is with heavy hearts that we must ask you to relinquish your role as the head of the Harris family," said Jameson.

His voice was the loudest, and his anger was the most palpable.

Jameson's two children were also present, but they remained silent, their heads bowed as tears streamed down their faces.

“This matter has nothing to do with Gerard," Lilah declared with resolute courage, standing to face the accusatory crowd. “It's all my fault. I take full responsibility."

She felt a wave of absurdity wash over her; with Brenda gone, what was the point in saying anything more?

"Who do you think you are? You have no right to speak here!" Jameson bellowed. In a commanding tone, he ordered, “Guards! Seize this murderer at once!"