"Is a simple apology enough? Do you expect me to kneel? That would give you the sensational headline you're desperate for, wouldn't it?"
A flicker of guilt passed through his eyes—there and gone in a heartbeat, replaced by a mask of cold indifference.
"An apology isn't enough." His voice dropped an octave. "Take the dress off. Now. Return it to its rightful owner."
The words hit the room like a match to gasoline. Shutters exploded into a frenzy, capturing my humiliation from every conceivable angle.
*Did I hear him right?*
Underneath, I wore only a thin base layer. If I stripped off this dress, I would be exposed to the world.
Naomi's gaze slid to my trembling hands, a sickly sweet smile curling her lips. "You really seem to like this dress, sis. Maybe I should just apologize to the designer and beg her to let you keep it."
Something inside me snapped.
"This dress was mine to begin with!" My voice cracked, raw and hysterical. "I designed it myself!"
*Slap.*
Joel's hand struck my cheek, wrenching my head to the side.