229: Revelations and Reckonings

The tension in the room was palpable as Alex faced the ire of Wayne, his frustration simmering like a storm ready to break. Wayne's protective instinct for his sister was fully awakened, outraged by the years of neglect and mistreatment she had suffered. "I apologize for my mother's intrusion and any disturbance she may have caused. I'm prepared to address any consequences of her actions," Alex stated, attempting to defuse the situation, his regret evident in his posture and tone. Wayne, however, was unappeased. "Consequences? Do you truly believe you can so easily rectify the neglect and hardship Emma endured? Where is your conscience in all this?" Alex was rendered speechless, the gravity of Emma's suffering over the years weighing heavily upon him. He had remained passive, a silent observer to her trials, a fact that fueled Wayne's anger. The mention of "sister" only added to Alex's confusion. "What sister? What are you implying?" His ignorance of the depth of the situat