Rachael stumbled backward, clutching her cheek, her eyes wide with shock and pain, Evelyn immediately pulled her back into her embrace.
The hall fell into stunned silence.
Catherine lowered her hand, her gaze sharp with disgust.
“Show some manners, girl,” she snapped. “You have no right to speak here.”
Lance’s hands curled into fists. His knuckles turned white.
Evelyn’s eyes filled with fury. “Mother! How could you hit your own grandchild?”
Catherine’s expression remained cold. “That rascal can never be my grandchild.”
Evelyn’s breath caught.
Before she could process it, Nathaniel stepped forward, his face twisted with hatred.
“You still dare to call her mother?” His voice dripped with venom.
He turned to Catherine. “She lost that right the day you decided to marry that useless
