Ruby's POV
"You're completely out of line!"
Stanley slammed his chair back so hard it nearly toppled over, then stormed away without looking back.
Kate crumpled into the chair he'd abandoned, burying her face in her trembling hands as quiet sobs escaped her lips.
"Is that really how he speaks to you?" Elias's voice carried a dangerous edge.
"Please, just stop." Kate's words came out muffled, tears already streaming down her cheeks.
"You're a Karl. No one should treat you with such disrespect. This situation requires intervention." His tone dropped to something almost threatening.
"Enough! I'm sick of hearing this!" Kate shot to her feet, her voice cracking with emotion. "Why do you constantly interfere in my choices? I spent my entire childhood living in your shadow, and now that I'm married, I still can't break free from your suffocating control? You don't understand love at all, Elias. Your own marriage was hardly a success story!"
