The sharp smack echoed through the boutique, startling everyone inside.


    "Miranda, what the hell are you doing?" Lysander snapped.


    Miranda didn''t miss a beat andnded another swift p across Lysander''s cheek.


    "Don''t worry," she said. "You have your own share."


    She turned to Orion, who stood frozen in shock, and delivered a third p with her hand. "And one for you."


    The brothers never anticipated that Miranda would every a hand on them. The ps were quick and brutal, leaving them no time to react. The two got smacked on their face, ring at her, their teeth gritted. Miranda''s eyes were icy as she enunciated each word. "Remember, it was you who wronged me. When you see me, you should scurry away like rats from a cat, not bark like mad dogs. But if you prefer thetter, I have no problem teaching you a lesson."


    With that, she turned on her heel and walked out, leaving the gazes of the rest behind. William shot the trio a look that screamed satisfaction.


    Orion and Lysander, though fuming, felt a twinge of guilt. The Hawke family had indeed wronged Miranda, and they dreaded the idea of her revealing their dirtyundry in public. So, as much as it stung, they swallowed their pride and kept quiet.


    Arabe began to sniffle softly. "Even if we did her wrong, she can''t just hit us like that. She''s been to jail, and despite that, Mom and Dad let her back into the Hawke family. Haven''t they been kind enough? I know it''s my fault, and I''ve got ready to leave the moment she returned."


    The brothers immediately turned their attention toforting Arabe.


    Orion reassured her, "Why should you leave? If anyone''s going, it''s her. Next time sheys a hand on us, I''ll make sure she regrets it!"


    Lysander added, "How low can she go, being someone''s kept woman and now acting all high and mighty? She''s no better than amon shrew!"


    The shop assistants, who had been watching the drama unfold, began to murmur amongst themselves, eager to dissect the juicy scene.


    Seeing this, Arabe stormed off in a huff, with the brothers hot on her heels.


    Meanwhile, on the upper floor of the luxury store, a man leaned casually against the railing, having witnessed the entire spectacle. The VIP lounge was secluded, with floor-to-ceiling ss that allowed him to see out while remaining unseen from below.


    "She''s got quite the temper," a smirk ying on his lips, his eyes flickered a hint of teasing; he found the scene more entertaining than he had anticipated.


    Turning his attention back inside, he gazed coolly at the man kneeling before him, begging for mercy. "Mr. Ashcroft, I''m so sorry! I shouldn''t have sold your information to that woman. She''s just a tramp trying to woo her way into your life! I lost my mind for a moment. Please, Mr. Ashcroft, spare me."


    The bodyguards held him firmly, leaving no room for escape. The man''s face was battered and bloody. That pair of polished leather shoes came gradually closer, each tapping against the floor sent shiver down his spine.


    Elian stood in front of him, and lit a cigar, his lips forming a cruel arc. "You know what I despise the most?" Elian exhaled a smoke wreath, his voice nonchnt as he pressed the burning cigar into the man''s scalp. "Ahhh!!" the man screamed, writhing in agony but too terrified to resist.


    Elian spoke with detached indifference, "Traitors like you, who bite the hand that feeds them." Extinguishing the cigar on the man''s head, Elian tossed it aside and slid his hands into his pockets, striding towards the exit.


    Behind him, the man''s cries echoed through the room.


    "Mr. Ashcroft," his loyal secretary followed him out.


    Elian paused briefly. "Find out who those people downstairs are. I want their details by tonight. And get me everything on how Ms. Lancaster is connected to that woman."


    "Understood, Mr. Ashcroft."