Claire's sharp words drained the color from Ruby's face instantly. Regret surged through her as she recalled the terms she'd agreed upon with Claire.
As Claire pressed forward relentlessly, Olivia couldn't hold back her dissatisfaction. "What's the big deal? Ruby's been worried sick about her lost bracelet. Does she really have to kneel and apologize?"
Seeing Olivia jump to Ruby's defense, Claire didn't waver.
"Kneeling and apologizing was her promise to me. Once you've given your word, you follow through. That's just basic decency, isn't it, Grandma? Surely, at your age, you understand that."
Claire's gaze then shifted to Ruby, her voice calm but firm. "Ruby, if you didn't have the courage to follow through, why slander me in the first place? You were so decisive when you made tha
