I stared at the women. "Apologize right now," Imanded coldly.


    It was evident that the tall woman was stubborn and had a knack for being unruly, just like Liora. She decided to step forward as she saw the situation turning against her and my relentless demand for an apology.


    "Since our agreements have been terminated, why should I apologize? Did I say anything wrong?" she retorted defiantly.


    I took a step closer, gazing directly at her. "No apology, huh?" I said, coldly.


    One of the men who had pleaded with As suddenly turned to her and scolded, "Katie Finch, apologize!" The woman''s face darkened even more, "Why..." I pped her hard without hesitation. Then, I looked at her calmly and said, "Since you won''t apologize, consider that repayment for the p earlier. I hope you''ll pay more attention to your behavior in the future. You shouldn''t mess with speople. You can leave now." After that, I returned to Lauren''s side, saying, "You don''t need to show those kind of people mercy next time, Lauren. If someone provokes you, you should fight back." The men were still pleading and bowing, but they were dismissed and escorted out.


    I looked at Lauren andforted her softly, "Don''t take this to heart." Lauren smiled sadly and looked at me, acting casual. "It''s okay. I''ve seen many people like that. I''m used to it. I''ve thought about it. If I want to live with dignity, I have to face these challenges so I''m mentally prepared for them." My heart ached, and Ivanna looked furious.


    Lauren turned to Oliver. Her lips trembled slightly as she said, "Thank you, Mr. Oliver." Oliver did not look happy as he examined Lauren''s face. He softly asked, "Do you really have to do this, Lauren?” Ivanna''s face turned dark, and I quickly grabbed her, afraid that she might lose her temper.


    Those who were watching the show quietly retreated. There was juicy gossip here, but everyone could sense staying longer might lead to unnecessary trouble for themselves.


    People had been gossiping about this in Foswood for the past six months. After Oliver''s wife passed away, Lauren had suddenly disappeared. Spections andrumors circted, and today was the first tthey had been seen together since then. For those who were paying attention, it was telling.  It was no longer a well-kept secret.


    In reality, not many knew the details, but it was obvious that Lauren had left Oliver''s side. Even those who were more oblivious guessed that something was amiss. Either Lauren had been dumped, or she left because Oliver hadn''t given her the title she wanted.  The veil of secrecy had been torn apart, and curiosity had been satisfied.


    The men and women who had been thrown out did not dare challenge people like As and Oliver, because that would mean putting their lives on the line.


    So, they dispersed.


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    Lauren looked at Oliver solemnly. "Thank you for helping me, Mr. Oliver, but you shouldn''t do that again. I''ll face these rumors myself. They are not wrong. Their words might hurt me, but the facts are true." "Lauren, I..." Oliver took a step forward.


    Lauren stepped back, maintaining her elegant smile.


    "I hope this doesn''t happen again. It''s not right for a man with your status and position to embarrass yourself for a woman like me. Let''s just go our separate ways. There''s no need for you to clear up any misunderstandings about me. It won''t benefit either of us try my best to avoid you next time.


    Goodbye."  Lauren finished speaking, gave a slight smile, and turned to leave.