Chapter 84

Shirley glared at Katrina, her face twisted with anger and resentment. "Don't think you've won," she spat, her voice dripping with venom. "Carlisle isn't staying married to you because he cares. He just doesn't want the Zachman family's reputation dragged through the mud. You think he actually values you?" Katrina's lips curled into a sharp smile, her tone icy. "And yet, here you are, still the secret. Why hasn't he let you out of the shadows if he loved you so much? Why hasn't he given you the title you're so desperate for? Face it, Shirley—you're just the mistress." "You watch your mouth!" Shirley's face flushed an angry red as she lunged forward, her hand raised to slap Katrina. But before Shirley could make contact, Katrina was quicker. Her hand struck first, landing a resounding slap across Shirley's face. The sharp crack echoed through the room, and Shirley staggered back, clutching her swelling cheek. "You dared to hit me?" Shirley stared at her in disbelief, her