Vesna silently followed Louis to the study room, leaving Ziyan with Silvia because Louis had something important to talk to her about. The room was dimly lit, the curtains drawn to keep out the harsh midday sun, and the only sound was the soft ticking of a grandfather clock in the corner.
The moment the door of the study room was closed by a maid, Louis turned around, his eyes blazing with fury. The sharp crack of his hand meeting her cheek echoed through the room. Vesna's head snapped to the side from the force of the blow, a stinging pain blossoming across her cheek. The taste of blood filled her mouth, but she remained silent, her expression impassive.
Vesna didn't utter a word. She merely turned her head back slowly, her eyes locking onto his with a blank stare. There was no anger, no fear. In fact, there was nothing at all—just a blank, emotionless void that seemed to mock his fury.
