Marlene protested, "Lilah, this is too much. Laura didn't mean any harm."

Lilah responded coolly, “She offered to do anything for my forgiveness. This seems a fitting resolution, especially since she insists they're just friends."

Brenda, holding Jerrold, gave Laura a firm look. "I think Lilah's request is fair. Do as she says."

Laura, cornered by Brenda's endorsement, tearfully nodded in agreement.

She composed the tweet. “I apologize for the confusion. During the event, I overindulged and, in my inebriated state, I mistook the culprit for Lilah in the restroom. I regret the mistake and sincerely apologize to Lilah Phillips. Gerard and I are nothing more than friends from childhood. There is no romantic involvement between us.

Please don't misconstrue our relationship."

Being a central figure in the sensational news, Laura's tweet quickly drew the attention of countless netizens.

While some criticized Laura, the majority expressed understanding following her apology.

“So, Laura apologizes now? Claims Lilah was her close friend yet misunderstood her? Interesting."

“Remember, Laura always urged against cyberbullying Lilah. Let's not be too harsh on her."

“But really, who's stirring the pot in this Lilah-Laura drama? It can't be that Laura was completely oblivious."

"Marlene Phillips seems to be fanning the flames. But is Laura really to blame? Let's be fair."

"I'm starting to think Marlene Phillips might be the instigator. Was she trying to drive a wedge between Lilah and Laura?"

“Poor Laura, always so selfless. It's understandable she got it wrong.

But having to apologize like this-It's sad.”

The suspicion among netizens veered toward Marlene, but she remained unperturbed, relieved that the blame wasn't squarely on her shoulders.

She glared at Lilah. “Satisfied now? Laura's made her public apology."

Lilah raised an eyebrow. "Is this about my satisfaction? She posted that for her own peace, didn't she?"

Laura forced a weary smile. "Lilah's right."

Her voice was tired. "I need to rest now. I've been weak since waking up."

With those words, Laura looked truly forlorn.

"I'll stay here to keep an eye on you," Marlene assured. “Lilah, why don't you leave now?"

Brenda, without a word, departed with Jerrold, followed by Lilah.

The room was left to Laura and Marlene.