Upon hearing what Bernard just the said everyone couldn't help but gaze at him curiously.
Then Bernard clenched his fists, his swollen face twitching as he spoke.
"I couldn't even defend myself," he admitted, his voice carrying both humiliation and disbelief. "The slap… it wasn't normal." His eyes darted around the room, as if expecting someone to understand what he was saying. "It was so strong—so precise—I couldn't believe it."
At that moment his chest heaved as he took a sharp breath. Then, as if to prove his words, he opened his mouth wide and pointed at the two empty spaces where his teeth used to be.
"Look at this!" he shouted. "Look!" His voice cracked.
"I lost two damn teeth because of that slap!"
The room fell silent again.
Maria's smirk wavered. Liam, who had been observing the conversation with casual disinterest, now sat up a little straighter.
Bernard's hands trembled slightly as he continued.