Eve's eyebrows rose in smug triumph.
"You heard him. Get on your knees and apologize."
I clenched my teeth so hard my jaw ached, my fists balled at my sides.
"You're a homewrecker. What right do you have to demand an apology from me?"
"Ms. Simmons, watch your language!" the bearded one barked.
Then a middle-aged man in a crisp suit stepped out from behind them. His voice was level, utterly devoid of emotion.
"Ms. Simmons. I'm Mr. Ashford's butler."
"Mr. Ashford asked me to convey that Miss Sullivan is the person closest to his heart."
"As long as it resolves Miss Sullivan's grievance, Mr. Ashford is willing to personally compensate you one hundred thousand dollars for your knee injury, covering medical expenses and emotional damages."
Eve's smile dripped with scorn. "Tell you what. Kneel down and knock your head on the floor ten times, and I'll have my man give you half a million. Fifty grand per knock."
"A broke nobody like you has probably never seen that kind of money in your life, have you?"