"This... I... what..." Frederick stuttered, his voice cracking in disbelief.
Samantha closed her eyes as tears silently rolled down her cheeks. Resignation weighed heavily on her shoulders.
"You're all shouting so loud you're making Samantha cry." Chris's voice cut through the chaos, calm yet dangerously sharp. His eyes narrowed. "I should be the only one making her cry. I didn't give any of you that right."
Samantha's eyes snapped open in disbelief. She turned to the man towering beside her and scoffed. What was he saying now?
She pushed at his chest, trying to distance herself, but he caught her again—effortlessly, possessively.
"Stay," Chris commanded.
Samantha froze, startled by his tone. Her body obeyed before her brain could protest.
Chris scanned the room, his gaze like ice.
