Iris scrambled off the bed, dropped to her knees, and began slapping her own face repeatedly.
Evelyn was alarmed by her actions. "What are you doing?"
"Evelyn!"
Steven stormed into the room, furious at the sight before him.
"How could you hit Iris?"
"It wasn't me!" Evelyn snapped. "Are you blind? She's hitting herself!"
"Steven, please don't blame Mrs. Lawson. It's my fault—I shouldn't have come here. I'll leave immediately!"
Iris wailed, sobbing uncontrollably as she pretended to leave. Evelyn ignored her, but the moment she turned away, Steven seized her wrist with a bone-crushing grip that made her gasp.
"Apologize!"
Evelyn raised her eyes, red-rimmed with fury.
"Steven, have you lost your mind? You want me to apologize to her?"
He repeated hoarsely, voice raw, "Apologize!"
