A loud slap echoed, leaving Bianca's ears ringing.
Clutching her cheek, she stared at Mr. Richards in disbelief, muttering, "That's impossible... Elaria can't have kids anymore. She's useless."
Even the coldest winter couldn't match the sharp chill on Mr. Richards' face.
He scoffed, voice frosty. "You think my Elaria's only worth something if she can have children?"
Everyone froze.
Wasn't he the one always nagging for a great-grandkid?
Bianca wasn't ready to back down.
She'd come here on New Year's, in light clothes, all for this-there's no way Mr. Richards actually bought it. She pulled out a piece of paper and held it out, eager. "I found this in Sebastian's coat pocket. Ask him if it's true."
Sebastian stepped forward, snatched the paper from her hand, and ripp
