I've done so much for you. Doesn't it touch you at all?"

"I acknowledge your efforts. I've also repaid the Rhodes Group.

Without our assistance, the Rhodes Group would have faced bankruptcy in the financial crisis long ago."

Laura sat speechless, the weight of the moment heavy on her.

Gerard, holding Lilah's hand, exited the room.

The reporters, once abuzz with questions, were now silent, unsure how to react.

Overwhelmed, Laura's composure shattered.

In a fit of despair, she began to hurl items from the nightstand, her actions driven by a maelstrom of emotions.

The reporters, taken aback by the sudden outburst, quickly vacated the ward.

Alone and unrestrained, Laura's anguish intensified, her behavior growing more frantic.

"Stop it!"

All at once, Laura felt a heavy slap. It jolted her back to reality.

She looked up and saw Tracy. A wave of fear washed over her. She whispered, “Mom...”

Tracy's voice was laced with bitterness. "Is this what you told me?

You slept with Gerard? How could you confuse him with another man?"

Laura's response was barely audible. "He said he'd pick me up... I was too drunk, I thought it was him"

“You fool! I can't believe you're my daughter." Tracy's anger erupted once more, her hand connecting with Laura's cheek again.

Tracy had envisioned leveraging this situation against the Harris family, but the plan had unraveled into a joke.

Laura, feeling the sting of the slaps, began to cry silently, not daring to make a sound.

"Get an abortion," Tracy commanded coldly.

Laura could only nod in acquiescence.

The procedure was done swiftly. Tracy, ensuring Laura was watched over, left the hospital.

Laura lay on the bed, her body and spirit weakened, her eyes reflecting a deep, unspoken sorrow.

She pondered, lost in thought, about how everything had spiraled so tragically out of control.