Bel remained on her knees, her brown eyes shining with determination as she stared at Wanda. Still in shock, she scanned the faces around the table. Luisa and Gracela were stunned, while Frugeon and Aluella seemed torn between surprise and anticipation. But it was Victor's reaction that caught Wanda's attention the most.
"You bastard, what do you think you're doing to my daughter?" Victor's voice rang out like thunder, breaking the silence in the room.
Bel didn't look away from Wanda, but she felt the weight of her father's words. Victor was standing now, his eyes narrowed and his right hand clenching the hilt of his sword.
Aluella, still sitting next to Victor, put her hand gently on his arm, trying to calm him down.
"Victor," Aluella said in a soft tone, "let's hear what they have to say."
