Just as Celia was about to speak, an unexpected commotion unfolded.
Two children, laughing and chasing each other on skateboards, came racing toward the pool.
Neither noticed the people standing nearby until it was too late.
Failing to stop in time, they crashed into Yvonne, sending her tumbling into the pool.
With a loud splash, water erupted from the pool. Celia froze for a moment before snapping back to reality. Ignoring the children, she stepped forward, ready to jump in and help. But before she could move, a figure darted past her.
A powerful force shoved her back, and she stumbled before regaining her balance. Looking up, she saw it was Lucas.
Without hesitation, Lucas stripped off his jacket and dove into the pool. Moments later, he surfaced, pulling Yvonne to safety. Wrapping her in his coat, he turned to Celia, his brow furrowed.
“What happened?”
Before Celia could explain, Yvonne spoke first, her voice soft and trembling, laced with just the right amount of vulnerability.
“It’s my fault. I must have upset Celia, and she pushed me into the pool. But it’s okay—I’m fine, don’t be angry with her…”
Her frail tone and shivering frame painted a convincing picture, and despite the words of forgiveness, her statement sounded more like an accusation.
Lucas’ expression darkened further. His accusing gaze shifted to Celia, and she felt the weight of his judgment.
“I didn’t push her. It wasn’t me—it was…” Celia stammered, turning to find the children who had caused the accident. But a glance around revealed they had already disappeared.
Her voice faltered, and the brief pause sealed her fate.
“If not you, then who? Me? Or are you going to claim she somehow fell in on her own?” Lucas’ voice was sharp, cutting. “Celia Quinn, I thought you were just a little spoiled, but now I see you’re completely out of line. You’ve got no shame at all!”
The words hit her like a thunderclap, echoing painfully in her mind.
No shame.
