“Pamela, apologize to the guest,” he said firmly.
Pamela was shocked, her eyes widening in disbelief.
Stella, too, was taken aback. She was expecting Howard to support his daughter.
“You tore up her invitation first. Our family does not disgrace our guests like this,” Howard continued sternly. “If you refuse to apologize, you must leave the Archer family immediately and sever all ties with us.”
Pamela’s face flushed crimson, tears welling up in her eyes.
She was surrounded by cameras, her embarrassment intensifying.
“Forget the apology.” Stella intervened, noticing Pamela‘s distress.
“Just return my invitation intact, and I’ll consider the matter settled. After all, the invitation symbolizes the host’s dignity, doesn’t it?”
Howard’s expression remained stern. He glanced subtly at Sanford and then firmly addressed Pamela. “Did you hear that? Do as she says.”
“Dad, I don’t want to. I did nothing wrong,” Pamela, visibly reluctant, protested. “Why should I apologize?”
“Don’t be stubborn. If you wish to remain a part of the Archer family, follow my instructions!” Howard’s demeanor grew more severe as he issued another stern warning.
Watching Pamela’s adamant yet pained expression, Stella softened slightly. She decided to extend an olive branch. “Miss Archer, I’m sorry,” she said. “Each invitation is unique and valuable. I’ll wait here.”
She then glanced at Lindsay, whose face had turned ashen. Stella couldn’t help but feel a surge of satisfaction.