Nathalie slowly picked herself up from the floor, her tear-filled eyes gazing at Lucas with disbelief, still clinging to the faint hope that he might spare her another glance—or show even a shred of pity.
But Lucas didn't so much as acknowledge her.
Instead, he turned and strode toward Beauty, gripping her arm protectively.
"Did she hurt you?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.
Beauty shook her head, the color finally returning to her cheeks.
Without thinking, she tightened her grip on his rough, calloused hand, the corners of her lips curling into a small smile.
Nathalie's heart shattered.
Her eyes, red with fury and despair, locked onto Lucas as she spat out each word like a dagger: "You're protecting her now, but mark my words—you'll regret it one day.
She's not worthy of you!"
With that, she turned and bolted out of the room, wiping furiously at the tears streaming down her face as she ran.
Beauty watched her go, her almond-shaped eyes widening in shock.
