Pak!
The sound of the slap cracked through the living hall, sharp and unforgiving, freezing Ester and every servant mid-task. No one breathed. No one moved.
It was the first time Fredrick had ever raised his hand against Fiona, and the sting of it seemed to echo far beyond her burning cheek.
"Who told you to bring reporters onto a film set?" Fredrick roared. "Do you even understand what you've done, Fiona? You've made me lose face. You've driven away my investors. Your stupidity has cost me future alliances."
His voice thundered through the room, leaving everyone trembling in its wake.
Even Ester, standing only a short distance away, couldn't bring herself to intervene. Deep down, she knew Fiona had crossed a line she never should have touched.
Fiona shook where she stood, her lips quivering as his words struck harder than the slap. Tears burned her eyes as she turned to face him.
"I—I only wanted to—"
