Twisted game of manipulation and deceit.

The silence hung in the air. Sharon and Sophia gaped at Ella in disbelief.

"Come again!" Sophia said it inquisitively.

"You heard me right," Ella asserted, squaring her shoulders. "Return everything that you took away from me."

"How dare you?" Sharon's face contorted with anger. Without warning, she lunged at Ella and slapped her hard across the face.

Pa…

The crisp sound of the slap reverberated in the room, leaving Ella gasping in shock, her hand flying to her cheek in disbelief.

Ella's eyes welled up with tears, her heart racing with fear and indignation. She knew that she had to stand her ground and fight for what was rightfully hers. But how could she defeat these two formidable women, who had conspired against her for so long?

Sharon's eyes narrowed into slits as she glared at Ella with utmost disdain. "You have the audacity to say that?" She spat, her voice venomous.