Blake grabbed her hands. His brows trembled. His jaw was tight.
"Who said those things to you?"
Fiona bit her lip, fingers twisting into the fabric of her dress until her knuckles went white. "Please. Don't ask."
But when her gaze swept over me, she shrank back, shaking her head in wide-eyed terror.
"Someone like me has no business crossing women like you—rich, powerful, untouchable." I looked at him. "Blake, I'm not worthy of you. Just let me go. I don't want to end up dead one day for no reason at all."
He frowned, his gaze turning sharp and hostile.
"Explain yourself."
I lowered my hand, revealing the swollen red mark on my cheek.
"You should ask her what she said."
"Miss Sullivan!" Fiona shrieked, her voice pitched high and piercing. "Yes, I slapped you—because you threatened my parents' lives! They're just ordinary people! If hitting me back will make you feel better, go ahead. I'm begging you, just don't hurt them."
My eyes burned scarlet with fury. "You're lying! You were the one who—"
"Enough." Blake's cold voice cut me off. He looked at me with open disappointment. "Theresa, I've spoiled you rotten."
"What, you think because you have no parents, I won't touch you?"