"Ethan's a CEO now. There's nothing I can't afford."

She snapped her fingers at the men behind her. "Smash it. Let's see if I can buy one or not."

They moved toward my car, iron rods in hand.

My heart lurched. I stepped forward to stop them—

A rod cracked across my back.

White-hot pain tore through me. I staggered, then dropped to one knee with a heavy thud.

I looked up at Serena, teeth clenched.

"Serena Matthews, if you smash my car today, I guarantee no one will be able to protect you—no matter who shows up!"

Serena looked at me with pure disdain.

"Smash it. I want to see who's protecting who."

The moment she finished, Ethan's entourage grabbed iron rods and swung at my car with obvious glee.

The first blow landed. Not a scratch on the body.

Serena's eyes narrowed. She ordered them to keep going with bricks. Finally, the body caved in. Glass shattered.

"You're looking for death, Serena!"

I clenched my teeth, trying to stand, but she had someone press down hard on my shoulder.

"Smashing your car is nothing—today, even if I hit you, no one would dare touch me!"

She raised her hand, ready to bring it down on my face.

Then a cold, sharp voice cut through from behind.

"What's going on here?"