The atmosphere fell into dead silence. Irene lay on the ground, clutching her stinging cheek, her eyes filling with tears. Natalie stood rooted in place, her icy gaze fixed on Irene.
Ryan, equally stunned, whispered to John, "That was a flawless slap. Her jaw must be aching."
"She's lucky it was just a slap," John replied quietly.
"Yeah, I've heard Ms. Natalie once nearly strangled someone for insulting Mr. Harper."
"Just like him, she's fiercely protective when someone insults him," John added.
Meanwhile…
"Irene?" Briena and Ivan hurried to her side, with Ivan helping his sister sit up while Amelia rushed over as well.
"Are you alright?" Briena asked in a concerned tone.
Amelia glared at Natalie. "How dare you hit my daughter?"
"Are you out of your mind?" Ivan snapped, glaring at Natalie with fury. He adored his sister, and seeing her hurt and humiliated in front of everyone made his blood boil.
