Chapter 2 - The Slap"Do you know who I am?"
Victoria's voice carried across the boutique.
Evelyn calmly adjusted the sleeve of her coat.
"Yes."
"Then you should know better than to embarrass me."
"I didn't embarrass you."
Victoria's jaw tightened.
The sales associate lowered his eyes.
Several customers quietly stepped away.
Victoria moved closer until only inches separated them.
"You think money makes you untouchable?"
"No," Evelyn replied.
"Then what does?"
Evelyn looked directly into her eyes.
"Character."
The answer landed harder than an insult.
Victoria's face flushed.
She raised her hand.
The slap cracked through the boutique.
Every conversation stopped.
Evelyn's head turned slightly from the impact.
For several seconds, she didn't move.
The room held its breath.
Then Evelyn slowly turned back.
There was no anger in her expression.
That frightened Victoria more than rage would have.
Evelyn touched her cheek.
"That was a mistake."
Victoria laughed nervously.
"A mistake?"
Evelyn's eyes remained steady.
"You've mistaken silence for weakness."
Victoria didn't understand.
Not yet.
She would.
Evelyn walked toward the door.
Behind her, Marcus, the boutique manager, stared at Victoria in disbelief.
He had witnessed enough wealthy customers abusing employees and strangers to know that Victoria's behavior was different.
This woman hadn't simply lost her temper.
She had crossed a line.
Outside, a black sedan waited at the curb.
A tall man stepped out.
Thorne.
Evelyn's discreet security adviser.
He studied her face.
"Do you want me to handle this?"
Evelyn shook her head.
"No."
"Are you sure?"
She looked back at the boutique.
"She thinks this is over."
May you like
A faint smile appeared.
"Let her."
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