Chapter 71 I Won't Kneel to a Beast

• Zayla had considered many possible outcomes, but she never imagined Joaquin would defend Melanie by blatantly mocking her.
• Her heart ached intensely, but she still felt a deep pain. Zayla coughed a couple of times and wiped the blood from her hands onto her clothes. She was grateful she wore a black jacket today; the bloodstains were less visible.
• "If you can't control the words that come from your mouth, you deserve a hit. That's the lesson you taught me, Joaquin. Don't mention two slaps—haven't you hit me plenty? My two slaps are nothing compared to even a tenth of one of yours." Zayla leaned against the edge of the bed, gradually pushing herself up. Though her body swayed, she managed to stay upright.