Zoe betrayed a hint of insanity when she noticed Alyssaâs anger. She poked her cheeks, taunting, âSlap me if you dare! I bet youâre dying to slap me. Come on!â
Alyssa dug her fingernails into her palms, knowing that taking Zoeâs bait and laying a finger on Zoe would only put her at a disadvantage.
To her surprise, she heard a loud sound as she witnessed Zoe slapping herself. Zoe did not have mercy on herself at all-her cheeks were swollen, and her carefully styled bun came apart.
With that, Zoe grinned maliciously and strumbled out of the doors. Then, she held her cheek and dramatically collapsed on the floor, drawing the attention of onlookers-media, guests, and staff alike.
Those nearby shifted their gazes onto Zoe before noticing Alyssa by the door.
âWhat happened? Letâs check it out!â
âDid Alyssa and Zoe have a brawl? And over what? Thatâs quite crude.â
âWhat else could it be? Probably a spat over a man!â
âJasper Beckett, right? Isnât he quite the catch? Seems like a lot of ladies are vying for his attention!â
âIt seems that Ms. Alyssa slapped Ms. Zoe without mercy. Just look at Ms. Zoeâs swollen cheeks.â
âThis doesnât look good at all. Given their social standing, they shouldnât be fighting in public. That really changes my impression of Ms. Alyssa.â
Guests engaged in gossip, largely pointing fingers at Alyssa, painting.
Armed with cameras, the reporters eagerly rushed over and encircled Zoe. Thriving on the attention, Zoe began to play the victim.
Trembling, she pointed accusingly at Alyssa, tears streaming down her face. She sobbed, alleging, âAlyssa Taylor, youâve crossed a line! I understand you may resent me for the scandal with Jasper, but Iâve never betrayed you or badmouthed you. Why are you targeting me and slapping me? Do you think your status as Belbanksâ tycoonâs daughter gives you the right to bully us?â
Zoe cried her heart out, touching the hearts of the reporters. The public sentiment turned against Alyssa as someone remarked, âSo what if sheâs the daughter of Winston Taylor? Weâre in Solana City now! Do the Taylors still think they own the place?â
âZoe is a respectable young lady. Thereâs no reason she should be bullied. If I were there, I wouldâve fought back!â
Alyssa scoffed at the ludicrous gossip with disdain. The smile on her lips was as icy as winter.
Her response to Zoeâs allegations left everyone stunned. Alyssa quipped, âFascinating. Iâve never witnessed such a spectacle in my life.â
Shooting a threatening look at Zoe, she continued fearlessly, âIâll admit, I did entertain the thought of hitting you, but I was pleasantly surprised when you decided to slap yourself. It saves me from getting my hands dirty. What a lucky day!â