Chapter 698

"Because you..." As the words lingered on her lips, Clara realized she had misspoken. When she glanced back at Hailey, she saw the anger clouding her face. "Grandma Hailey... I didn't mean—" "Enough!" Hailey shot Clara a withering glare and cursed internally. "A commoner stayed as a commoner! No matter how polished they may seem, they remain foolish at heart. "In moments like this, they can't even grasp what should and shouldn't be said!" To Hailey, Maeve’s smile felt painfully ironic. After taking a deep breath, Hailey turned to Sergio beside her and said, "Sergio! We're leaving!" Sergio dared not oppose her. After casting a cold glance at Maeve, he prepared to leave with Hailey. But Zion's people had already encircled them, blocking any escape. Hailey glared at Zion. "Zion, what's the meaning of this?" "Your granddaughter-in-law insulted my fiancée, and I expect you, Mrs. Brooks Senior to have her apologize. We're not going anywhere until she bows and says sorry." Zion's arrogance was staggering, and Sergio's expression grew even colder. "Zion, don't push it!" "Sergio..." Clara clutched at Sergio's sleeve with her lip caught between her teeth, making her look vulnerable. Seeing that the group had no intention of backing down, the nearby socialites began to fidget nervously. "Mrs. Brooks Senior, please have your thoughtless granddaughter-in-law apologize, or we'll all be stuck here!" "You know the influence of the Spencer family, Mrs. Brooks Senior. If she doesn't apologize, things won't settle easily later!" "That's right! Since Ms. Ramoz spoke out of turn first, she should be the one to apologize." Under pressure from several socialites, Hailey glared at Clara and said, "Since you've been disrespectful, you need to apologize. Hurry up and tell Ms. Scott you're sorry!" "Grandma Hailey!" Clara looked at Hailey in disbelief, but Hailey showed no signs of relenting. Coldly, Hailey said, "Do it now. Are we all supposed to wait here while you gather the courage to apologize?" Sergio interjected, "Grandma, this isn't Clara's fault—" "Silence!" Hailey shot a furious look at Sergio and said, "You're the head of the Brooks family! You should know your boundaries. "If your fiancée messed up, you can't just defend her blindly! What do you think others will say?" Sergio stood rooted to the spot as Hailey reprimanded him. Hailey turned her cold gaze back to Clara. "Why aren't you apologizing? Do I need to beg you?" With everyone watching, Clara felt the heat of embarrassment wash over her. She bit her lip, took a deep breath, and stepped in front of Maeve. After bowing deeply, she said, "Ms. Scott, I spoke out of turn earlier. I hope you can forgive me. I'm truly sorry."