Chapter 173

LIAM’S POV I stood there. Frozen. Her slap still echoed in my ears. I didn’t move. I didn’t even blink. My cheek burned with the heat of her hand, and I could still feel the sting—not just on my face, but deep in my chest. The fury in her eyes. The strength in her voice. The way she pushed past me like I was nothing but dust under her shoes. No one had ever hit me before. No one had ever dared. I never even thought a woman could do such a think to me. But Natalie had. And I—I didn’t even stop her. Because a part of me knew I deserved it. I stood there like a damn statue. I could feel the imprint of her fingers slowly darkening on my cheek. My thoughts were a blur. I was filled with rage, humiliation, disbelief, and beneath it all, something deeper. Something heavier. Regret. The door suddenly burst open. Catherine walked in first, followed closely by Iris. They must’ve heard the shouting. Maybe even the slap. Their eyes moved between me and the room, assessing everything in a single gl