Linden Jennings, however, roared, his face flushed with anger, "River Sterling, what the hell are you talking about! Poppy would never leave me!"
River Sterling bared his teeth, licked the corner of his lip, and spat. He raised a fist but didn't actually strike back. He just sneered and said, "Why wouldn't she? Women are the most heartless creatures! When you think they love you, what do you think they really love? Some women love you for your immense fortune, others for your dashing good looks."
"If you were some broke, ugly brute—a total piece of trash—do you think they'd still love you? Poppy Vance is a woman, too. So why would she be any different?"
Linden Jennings shot to his feet, ready to throw another punch, but River Sterling suddenly shoved his face forward. "Go ahead! You already hit my right cheek. You want me to offer you the left one now?"
Linden's outstretched hand froze. He said resentfully, "Don't you dare compare Poppy to those women you mess around with!"
