Chapter 8

Victoria's POV I watched Scarlett's hand rise toward my face. She actually dares. Before her palm could connect, I caught her wrist mid-swing. Even through the suppression bracelet, I could feel the Alpha strength coursing through my veins, demanding to be unleashed. CRACK! My own slap landed across Scarlett's cheek with satisfying force, the sound echoing through the ballroom like a gunshot. Gasps rippled through the crowd of guests. I could feel their shocked stares burning into us, phones discretely rising to capture the drama. Good. Let them watch. Scarlett clutched her reddening cheek, staring at me with pure disbelief. "You actually hit me!" "That slap is the least you deserve," I said, each word precise as a blade. "Don't assume everyone else collects garbage like you do. Ethan is trash I threw away—you're welcome to scavenge him from the dumpster, but that doesn't mean the rest of us want to drag filth home." I paused, letting a cold smile curve my lips. "And frankly? This part