One kicked the back of her legs, forcing her down—straight onto burning coals.
The sound of sizzling flesh filled the air.
She opened her mouth to scream, but a harsh slap struck her face, cutting the sound short.
Her ears rang; the world tilted.
In the haze, she remembered another time.
When someone had caused trouble in her café, Kevin had stood before her protectively. "Venice, don't be afraid. I'll protect you for life. No one will ever hurt you."
Another slap landed.
Then another.
By the time the ninety-ninth blow fell, Venice's consciousness was fading, her skin was scorched, her cheeks swollen beyond recognition.
She no longer felt pain—only an empty, echoing numbness.
From somewhere distant, she heard Kevin's voice. "Stefanie, how do you feel now? Is your anger gone?"
Stefanie let out a delicate laugh, pounding lightly on his chest. "Make it an even hundred."
Seconds later, the final slap landed.
A dark trickle of blood slipped from Venice's lips—and the world went black.
When Venice opened her eyes again, the blinding white hospital lights stabbed at her vision.
The air reeked of disinfectant—cold, sterile, and painfully familiar.
She tried to move her fingers, just slightly, but even that small motion startled the man slumped beside her bed.
Kevin's eyes were bloodshot, his face weary and haggard. It looked as though he hadn't slept all night.
When he saw her awake, a heavy breath of relief escaped his lips. "Venice, you're finally awake."
His tone softened, gentle, coaxing.
"I know you're angry," he murmured, "but no matter what, you shouldn't have laid hands on Stefanie. I need the Cervantes family's support—Stefanie is a important part of that plan."
Then, in a voice that tried to sound tender, he added, "But remember this, Venice. No matter what I do, I only love you. Everything I'm doing is to help you enter the McAuliffe family sooner."
Venice stared up at the white ceiling, silent. The words reached her ears but not her heart.
Just as Kevin was about to say more, his phone rang sharply.
Through the receiver came Stefanie's delicate, tearful voice. "Kevin... I think I'm having an allergic reaction. My skin is all covered in rashes..."
[Go take care of her.] Venice's eyes were hollow as her fingers formed the words.
Kevin hesitated only a second before standing.
"I'll have one of the maids come and look after you," he said softly. "Rest well."
But no one came.