Instead of submitting to the family's intimidation, Clara stood up in one fluid, magnificent motion. Her red silk dress caught the ambient light as she stepped directly into Julian's path, cutting off his smug grin. "He already did," Clara declared in a defiant, sharp voice that echoed off the high marble walls. Before Julian or Eleanor could react, Clara swung her hand back and delivered a thunderous, powerful slap straight across the young heir's jaw.
The force of the strike knocked the arrogant young man off his feet, sending him crashing hard onto the slick marble floor in front of the entire high-society assembly. Shocked gasps erupted throughout the grand ballroom as Julian clutched his swollen face, staring up at Clara in absolute horror and disbelief. Standing tall and unyielding beside the young girl she had protected, Clara looked down at the disgraced heir and his stunned grandmother, making it abundantly clear that no amount of wealth or title would ever protect them from facing accountability for harming a child.