With a stern expression, she held her phone out to Laura. “What do you have to say about this, Laura?"

Laura, taking the phone, suddenly looked unsteady, nearly collapsing.

“I-I'm at a loss," she stammered, tears brimming in her eyes. “I was intoxicated that night. I only remember someone closing the door of my cubicle suddenly. I assumed it was Lilah, and I tried to clear the air with her. I never imagined she'd react so violently, nor did I expect it wasn't her—"

Brenda scrutinized Laura, her gaze analytical and discerning.

Marlene rushed to Laura's defense. "Mrs. Harris, please understand.

Laura was quite inebriated, and since only she and Lilah were seen entering the restroom, it was natural for her to assume—"

Brenda's tone grew chillier. "So you condemned Lilah without any concrete evidence?"

Jerrold, standing nearby, grasped the situation.

He realized Lilah had been falsely accused, and indignation filled his young eyes.

"You're all bad people," he declared, his voice tinged with anger.

Laura's embarrassment was palpable, her tears flowing freely. “I didn't mean any harm"

It was then that Lilah re-entered the room.

Laura, overcome with guilt, blurted out, "“Lilah, I'm so sorry. I misunderstood."

Marlene intervened as Laura attempted to get out of the bed. “You had no ill intent, Laura. Anyone in your position would've thought the same."

"But I still owe her an apology," Laura insisted, her weeping Lending her a vulnerable air.

Lilah responded with a calm smile, "No need for tears. If you keep crying, people might think I've mistreated you. Remember, I'm not the one at fault here."

Laura, overwhelmed by the situation, struggled to find the right response.

Facing Lilah earnestly, she implored, "Lilah, I'm truly sorry. Tell me what I can do to make amends. Whatever it is, I'll comply."

"Are you sure?" Lilah asked.

Laura nodded.

"Alright. I'd like you to clear things up online. Explain the misunderstanding and publicly vow that your relationship with Gerard is strictly platonic. Assert that if there's any romantic sentiment, you'd rather face dire consequences."

These demands visibly drained the color from Laura's face.

Her schemes to drive a wedge between Lilah and Gerard would be undone with such a declaration.

Even if she were to end up with Gerard, this would forever mar her reputation.