Quennel had already arranged for a household servant to take the fall.

Given the circumstances, if he didn’t find a scapegoat soon, the investigation would inevitably lead back to him.

So he had made sure the scapegoat was long gone, and it wouldn’t be long before the elders’ investigation pointed in that direction.

He had been worried his plan was too obvious and would arouse the elders’ suspicion.

But now, Lionel had committed this spectacular blunder. It seemed even fate was on his side.

Lionel, oh Lionel, look at you now. Even God isn’t on your side.

No, perhaps it’s more accurate to say you’ve become your own worst enemy.

If Lionel had just stayed put at the estate, none of this would have happened. But he just had to make a scene.

If he hadn’t gone to see Hannah, Cherry wouldn’t have been able to ‘accidentally’ stream their confrontation, and this whole mess would have been avoided.

At this moment, Quennel felt a wave of relief wash over him. The subsequent fallout had little to do with him anymore; he didn’t need to worry.

When Lionel returned to the family estate, he found the three elders already seated on the sofa, waiting for him.

The atmosphere was tense, and he knew exactly what kind of storm he was about to face.

Just like before, he approached the elders, greeted them, and sat down to the side. “Lionel, what did you promise us? You said you wouldn’t leave the estate, that you’d allow someone to monitor you. And yet, your words are as worthless as air!”

Mr. Michael Rosenberg slammed his cane on the coffee table several times, his gaze sharp and fierce as he stared at Lionel.

“Give me an explanation, now! Where did you go? What did you do? And why couldn’t the man assigned to you find you?”

Facing Mr. Michael’s interrogation, Lionel answered each question one by one.

Seeing that Mr. Michael was still furious, he added, “I was in such a rush to find Hannah that I didn’t notice my escort hadn’t kept up. If I had, I would have definitely told him to come with me.”

He was filled with regret now. If he had noticed the man wasn’t with him and had gone back for him, perhaps his escort would have. noticed Cherry’s phone was streaming live when they arrived at the Temple residence.

If that had happened, this whole disaster might have been averted.

Seeing Lionel finally adopt a subservient tone, Mr. Michael’s anger subsided slightly, though he remained displeased.

After all, Lionel was only being meek because he knew he was in deep trouble and was afraid of the consequences.

Under normal circumstances, his attitude would have been far from respectful.

“Then tell me, what are we going to do about this trending topic? The Rosenberg family’s name has been dragged through the mud time and time again because of you. Why can’t you ever learn your lesson? Mr. Michack demanded. Seeing the other two elders remain silent, he let out an annoyed sound.

Mr. Marcus finally spoke up. “The

entire internet is cursing you out, and they’re lumping the Rosenberg family in with you! They’re saying the fish rots from the head down. Because you couldn’t leave well enough alone and had to go after

Hannah, all of us are being dragged down with you!”

Mr. Edward Rosenberg’s brow was tightly furrowed. He looked at Lionel’s calm demeanor and let out a long sigh.

“Lionel, if you weren’t the one who told Hannah about the initial incident, why did you suddenly go looking for her now? You hadn’t sought her out before, so why at this specific moment?”