Chapter 6

As expected, Hunter shot to his feet, his gaze sharp as a blade as it pierced through Nadine. He snatched the wine glass from the table and hurled it to the ground. Glass fragments scattered explosively, and a crimson stain spread across the carpet. "Nadine, what did I warn you about last time? If you dare lay a hand on Serena again, I won't let you off!" he seethed. Nadine stood motionless. Her gaze was steady as she replied with an icy calm, "I didn't touch her." Hunter's expression darkened further. He strode toward her as he spat, "Do you think she would lie about this? Especially when you've done it before?" Nadine's fingers trembled slightly, pain flashing in her eyes. She lifted her chin, her voice hoarse with despair as she said, "Then what do you want from me?" "Get on your knees and apologize to Serena!" Nadine's pupils constricted as her hands clenched the fabric of her skirt. Her pride felt like it had been trampled into dust. Gritting her teeth, she spat, "Never! I'd kneel to God and my parents—but never to anyone else!" She turned to leave, but Hunter's face twisted with fury. He closed the distance in two strides and kicked her sharply behind the knee. "Ah!" Caught off guard, Nadine crashed to the floor with a heavy thud. "Apologize!" Hunter commanded, his tone leaving no room for defiance. Nadine felt her dignity being stripped away layer by layer, as if she'd been stripped naked before a jeering crowd. Her eyes burned as she choked out, "I told you—I didn't do it!" Hunter sneered and signaled to the bodyguards behind him. Two men immediately stepped forward, gripping Nadine's shoulders and forcing her to kneel. She tried to struggle, but their strength overpowered her. Her forehead ended up hitting the floor with a dull thump. Murmurs grew louder around them, and each whisper was like a knife plunging into her heart. "I didn't think Nadine Devine would end up like this!" "Mr. Goldman is ruthless. He didn't leave her any dignity at all." "I mean, it serves her right for always bullying Serena." "Still won't you admit your mistake, Nadine?" Hunter's voice carried impatience. Nadine felt like her self-respect was completely crushed. A wave of indescribable despair rose in her chest. Summoning all her strength, she suddenly broke free from the bodyguards' grip, stood up, and slapped Hunter hard across the face. The sharp sound of the slap cut through the silent banquet hall like a crack of thunder. "Hunter!" Her voice trembled with tears as they finally spilled over. "I told you I didn't do it! Is everything she says the truth, and everything I say a lie? I know you love her to death, but I'm your wife! What am I? What am I to you?" Her words were laced with despair and anguish, as if she were pouring out all the grievances and bitterness she had bottled up inside. This was the first time she had cried in front of Hunter—the first time she had ever shown him her vulnerability. Just like that, Hunter froze. He had never seen Nadine like this before. She had always been stubborn and never showed any weakness. But now, she resembled a cornered animal as her eyes filled with hopelessness and pain. Something inexplicable stirred in his chest, like some long-held conviction had begun to crumble. He opened his mouth but found no words to respond. Nadine stared at him through her tears, and her voice was hoarse with despair. "Hunter, remember this—I owe you nothing!" With that, she turned and strode out of the banquet hall. Hunter remained rooted in place, the stinging pain on his face bringing him back to his senses. As he watched Nadine's retreating figure, an indescribable, unsettling emotion surged within him.