Anthony didn't hold back.
The two slaps landed hard, sharp sounds cracking through the hall. This wasn't a performance. His anger was real, heavy, and raw. Anyone could see it. Whatever respect he had for Lewis didn't come from status alone it came from something deeper, something earned.
People liked to whisper that Lewis was powerful, especially beyond our borders. But whispers never told the full story. Anthony clearly knew more than most. The way his shoulders stayed tense, the way his voice lowered when he spoke to Lewis it all said one thing.
He had seen what Lewis was capable of.
Yenik, meanwhile, looked completely lost.
He had always believed that no matter how badly he messed up, his family would still protect him. Excuse him. Shield him.
That belief shattered in seconds.
"You ungrateful fool!" Anthony barked. "Mrs. Hale is far beyond your reach. Apologize. Now."
Still reeling, Yenik crawled toward me on his knees.
"Ri "
Smack.
Anthony struck him again.
