A Beauty With Multiple Masks

In answer to Lorraine’s confused expression, Sonia continued, “Since I was slapped across the face, how about I slap you back, and we’ll call it even?”

Lorraine looked at Sonia in disbelief.

That’s it?

“What‘s the matter? You don‘t like the idea?”

“It’s not that,” Lorraine answered helplessly. “I just think it’s too light a punishment.”

“We’ll make it ten slaps, then,” Sonia said before turning toward Lawrence. “Father, I was slapped a few times. Let her slap herself ten times as her punishment.”

Although Lawrence agreed that a sentence of that nature was too light, he was unwilling to overrule his daughter’s decision. Upon obtaining Lawrence’s assent, Sonia had Lorraine begin her sentence.

“Do it yourself. You can go easy,” Sonia muttered when she was close enough to Lorraine.

Sonia’s kindness touched Lorraine. Feeling incredibly guilty about the pain she had subjected the former to during the kidnapping, the latter gave herself ten tight slaps.

sight of the red palm

told her to go easy.

looked at her swollen cheeks. “Let’s consider this matter resolved. We won’t pursue

let her go as easily as that out of respect for Arielle.

on the run if

the woman had

her hand,

a word. Only his eyes darkened

Arielle’s departure, Lawrence got in his car for his meeting. It was the day Nancy gave her answer, and he was looking forward to seeing if she would concede her power to the new king for the

***

was the last one to arrive at the conference room. Only

swept his gaze across the few people at

had employed many practitioners.

grew at ease the

Despite the workforce Dylan had engaged, she felt

Aaron’s gaze darkened.