The slap landed heavily, and Nina, having no time to react, staggered back from the force of Gordon's blow.
She wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth, enduring the pain as she tried to get up. After two failed attempts, she gave up and sank back down on the floor.
"Dad, what do you mean? I don't understand."
"Still playing innocent?" Gordon was furious. "You think I wouldn’t find out, huh? You bought the fake Star White dress and orchestrated this online mess. What’s your grudge against Stella? Why did you frame her like this?"
Nina remained seated on the floor, weak and silent.
And Gordon's fury escalated at her silence.
"If you had succeeded, it might have been different. But you got caught and tarnished the Merchant family's name. Foolish girl!"
Irene, lounging nearby and
