Emily's eyes were cold as she calmly shook her hand. "You weren’t trying to do what, Maria?" Her voice was soft but carried an undeniable edge of danger. "If you're going to attack someone, at least have the guts to admit it."
Maria was seething with rage, unable to believe that Emily had actually slapped her. The humiliation burned hotter than the sting of the slap. In her fury, she lunged at Emily, but Emily caught her wrist with ease, pushing her back. Maria’s body slammed into the kitchen counter, and she let out a pained cry.
Emily stood over her, cold and unmoved. “I didn’t bother with your little games before, but it seems you mistook my patience for fear.” Her voice was icy, devoid of any warmth. “Apparently, those first slaps didn’t wake you up.”
Maria’s anger quickly shifted to fear as she realized she stood no chance against Emily. Her lips trembled, and her eyes flickered with dread.
Just as Emily took a step forward, the kitchen door swung open.