Chapter 54: A Coldness That Reaches the Bones

Yolanda flinched when she heard Charles’ voice. Growing up, she had learned that when her usually doting brother spoke to her in that tone, it meant he was angry. But Yolanda was too far gone, her temper flaring uncontrollably. She ignored the warning in Charles' voice and slapped Linda again. Everyone at the party was well aware of Yolanda’s temper, and none of the guests dared intervene as she unleashed her rage. Charles, however, wouldn’t tolerate the scene any longer. “Yolanda, this is your birthday party! Do you even realize how humiliating you’re making this?” Hearing those words, Yolanda finally stopped, her hand frozen in the air. Charles, seizing the moment, gestured toward the onlookers. "This is just a minor incident. The party will go on. Let’s all forget this ever happened." At Charles’ command, the guests knew what to do. They scattered, resuming the party as if nothing had occurred. Meanwhile, Alicia, who had been observing from the staircase, saw her opportunity