Chapter 63 - Isabelle's Intervention: Defending Honor, Building Bridges

The slap echoed across the marble floor, silencing every conversation in the vicinity. Nora Donovan's head snapped sideways, her red hair flying as she staggered backward. The imprint of Isabelle's hand bloomed crimson on her cheek.

I stood frozen, hardly believing what I was witnessing. Isabelle Ashworth—the epitome of poise and social grace—had just struck someone in public.

"I warned you," Isabelle said, her voice dangerously soft. "Insult Liam one more time, and there would be consequences."

Nora's hand flew to her face, her eyes wide with shock before narrowing with renewed hatred. "You struck me! Do you have any idea who my father—"

"Your father is currently nursing several broken bones," Isabelle cut in, "courtesy of the very man you just called 'trash.' Perhaps you'd like a more personal demonstration of why that was unwise?"