Chapter 215: I Don't Need Love

Reese The sound of the slap reached me before the sting did. A clean, sharp crack that echoed off the wooden walls of the empty courtroom. I let my head turn with it, more out of politeness than pain. I just wanted her to have her moment. To make it seem like something… out of a movie. It wasn’t like I didn’t see it coming. Penelope was predictable that way—reactive, emotional, always performing even when her whole world was catching fire. I straightened slowly, rubbing my jaw with two fingers. “There it is,” I murmured. “I was wondering when you’d get around to that.” Her chest heaved. Her face was blotched red, her eyes wet and wild—equal parts shock and heartbreak. “How can you do this to me?” she whispered, her voice cracking. “Why would you do this to me, Reese? Why?” I exhaled softly. “Penny,” I said, lifting a brow, “you just asked me two questions at once. Which one am I supposed to answer first?” The shocked look she gave me almost made me laugh. Mouth parted, eyes huge like s