He instinctively loosened his hold on Lynzee and stepped toward me, as though to placate me.
But in Lynzee’s eyes, a flash of venom appeared.
“Agnes,” she cried suddenly, “how can you say that? If you’re so set on ruining my reputation, then I’ll just prove my innocence with my life!”
And before anyone could stop her, she lunged toward a nearby pillar.
“Lynzee!” Ridley shouted, diving forward to catch her.
Once he had her safely in his arms again, he frantically checked her for injuries. When he found none, his shoulders sagged in relief.
Then he stood and turned his icy gaze on me.
A slap reverberated on the walls.
His hand came down hard across my face, the force knocking me to the floor.
A gasp tore from my throat. I clutched my cheek, staring at him in disbelief.
Towering over me, he looked at me with a blank expression.
“Have you had enough, Agnes? You almost drove a mother to her death! You can’t have children yourself, so you want other children to lose their mom, too?”
He demanded, “Apologize to Lynzee. Now!”
I bit down hard on my lip. “I won’t. I’m not the one in the wrong!”
A flicker of disappointment passed through his eyes before he spoke again, his voice like ice.