Chapter 91

• The slap lands hard, a resounding crack that whips Charlotte's head viciously to the side. Shock freezes her—eyes wide, cheek blazing with fiery pain that radiates down her neck. She stumbles back against the painting's ornate frame, hand trembling as it rises to the reddening welt, breath caught in her throat. Past life rage, but this... sharper. Her mind reels, rebirth resolve cracking under the blow.
• Howard towers over her, fuming, veins bulging in his neck, eyes ablaze with misinterpreted fury. Before she can utter a word—before the sting even fades—he blasts forth, voice thundering off the marble walls. "How dare you insult my mother and sister in front of the guests! Who gave you the power to call Anna an outsider, to accuse Mother of squandering Grandfather's money? Who the hell are you to spew that venom?"
• Charlotte opens her mouth, shock thawing into defense, but he barrels on, unrelenting. "It's not even 24 hours since we married, and you're showing your true colors already! You crossed the line—big time. Did you forget you signed that contract? That freaking contract clause? Let me remind you clearly: know your place, or if you can't remember, I'll send you a pile of those papers so you never forget it!"