Chapter 86

Slap!

The sharp sound of a palm striking flesh echoed through the kitchen.

Isabella Jackson clutched her stinging cheek, eyes wide with shock and fury. "Evelyn Sullivan, have you lost your mind?!"

Before she could finish, another slap landed.

"These two slaps are to teach you your place." Evelyn's voice was glacial, her gaze like shards of ice. "I ignored your antics before because you weren't worth my time."

Isabella trembled with rage, nails digging into her palms. She lunged forward, only for Evelyn to seize her wrist and slam her onto the countertop.

"Ah!" A pained scream escaped as her back collided with the hard surface.

"Still not clear-headed enough?" Evelyn advanced slowly, cold fury flashing in her eyes.

Isabella shrank back, genuine fear flickering across her face.

The kitchen door swung open.

"Ethan!" Isabella's expression instantly transformed. Tears welled up on command. "Sister, I... I just accidentally spilled the steamed eggs—"

Slap! Slap!

Two more resounding strikes.

"Now you can continue your performance." Evelyn flexed her fingers with a mocking smile.

Isabella covered her burning face, hatred boiling in her eyes.

"Enough!" Ethan Sullivan's voice cut through the tension, his brow furrowed. "Evelyn, that's enough."

Evelyn didn't even glance his way. "Keep your precious First Love in check. Next time, it won't just be slaps."

She turned to leave, but Ethan grabbed her arm.

"You're hurt." His voice dropped as he noticed the blisters on her forearm.

Evelyn wrenched free. "Not your concern."

"Where's the first aid kit?"

"Save your concern for your darling." She strode away without looking back, her exit final.

Ethan's eyes darkened. Despite staying to care for him, she maintained an impenetrable distance.

She still intended to leave him.

"Ethan..." Isabella's tearful voice trembled.

He turned to see her swollen cheeks, his frown deepening.

"What really happened?" His tone was dangerously calm.