Blanche's POV
I met Kaden's furious glare with cool detachment. "I don't control anyone's life. That includes you."
Without another word, I stepped around him and headed for the main hall's exit.
Behind me, Kaden stood frozen, clearly thrown by my sudden backbone. The woman who used to jump at every Jacob family command had just talked back to him.
His rage built as I walked away. Just as I reached the doorway, he stuck out his foot.
I didn't see the dirty trick coming. My body pitched forward, tumbling hard.
Jerry steps waited just outside the hall. I stumbled down them, my right arm scraping brutally against the cobblestone.
Pain shot through me as I curled up, clutching my injured arm. Every muscle tensed against the agony.
Above me, Kaden loomed like some twisted king surveying his kingdom.
