The slap echoed in the Skywater Residence like a gunshot in a library.
One second, Jason was the king of the world, blowing smoke into Jack Brooks's face. The next, he was sprawled across a broken table, covered in tea and blood.
The entire first floor of the tea house fell into a deathly silence. The guests, who had been whispering about Jack's inevitable demise, were now frozen with their teacups halfway to their mouths.
"Did... did he just hit President Jason?"
"Is he crazy? Did he not understand what Jason just said?"
"Well, that's it. The show is about to get b****y. Jason is known for seeking revenge for the smallest grievance. That kid just signed his own death warrant. He's going to pay a terrible price for that moment of impulse."
The onlookers stared at Jack with a mix of a
