Bonnie’s two slaps instantly left Winona’s face red and swollen. Bonnie knew the force she'd used—Winona's swelling proved it. Everyone preaches kindness, but Bonnie believed you shouldn't lecture others on goodness unless you've shared their struggles. Few know the rest of the saying: "If you endure my suffering, you might not have my kindness."
The hatred in Winona’s eyes intensified as she touched her swollen face. In a fit of rage, she screamed, “Bonnie, you bitch! Why are you hitting me? Yvette, if you’ve got the guts, kill me! Go on, take me out!” Winona didn't dare approach Yvette, who lounged on the sofa, shouting at Bonnie, who'd stepped back.
Yulia, startled by Winona’s outburst, stumbled back. Where was the elegant Winona she knew? Fearing Yvette’s retaliation, she pulled Qi Nan's arm. Winona, already volatile, had been pushed over the edge by Bonnie's slaps. Yulia grabbed Winona's wrist, but Winona shook her off. Yulia, in her high heels, lost her balance from Winona’s shove and fell hard.
The salesgirl, seeing this, crawled away, regretting her actions. Winona looked at Yulia with disdain. "What a useless person," she thought. "If Yulia had been more competent, I wouldn't have had to take those slaps."
Ignoring Yulia, Winona clutched her stomach, trying to regain composure. She bit her lip and clenched her sleeves. “Yvette, even leaning on someone powerful, many saw you pull a gun. Just wait for the police. You’re done for.”
Yvette lounged back, legs crossed, twirling the black gun. Raising an eyebrow, she rested her chin on her hand, regarding Winona with disdain and amusement. “Oh? Is that so?”
Winona gritted her teeth. What was she counting on? Did she think Zachary could save her? He might be dead. Yvette’s calmness unnerved Winona—unyielding as a mountain.
Bonnie worried after Winona’s outburst. It was serious, but she doubted Yvette would shoot without reason. Meanwhile, Yulia, still on the ground, wincing, watched Winona provoke Yvette. She stood, saying, “Winona, shut up! Do you want Yvette to attack you? Do you care about your kid?”
Winona shot her a cold glance. “Mom, Yvette pulled the gun first! Even if the baby gets hurt, it’s your fault for not protecting me!”
Yulia choked, her face reddening, hands shaking. Winona couldn't believe her daughter's shamelessness. Seeing Yulia's expression, Winona felt a surge of confidence. She pretended to cradle her stomach. What if the baby saved her? Jail wouldn't be so bad. She could always have more kids. Robert had abandoned her, but there would be other chances. Getting one over on Yvette, however, was a rare opportunity.
Bonnie, noticing Winona’s excitement, leaned toward Yvette. “Yvette, is Winona acting crazy?”
Yvette half-closed her eyes, a small smile playing on her lips. She didn't respond.
Winona clenched her fists. She glared at Yvette, ready for insults, but Yvette anticipated her, pointing the gun. Bang! The bullet zipped past Winona’s cheek, hitting the wall.
Winona trembled. Before she could react, another bullet grazed Qin Nan’s foot. Winona decided to feign a fall if necessary. She could convince everyone she couldn't keep the baby. Robert and Victor wouldn't let Yvette off easy.
Winona waited, heart racing. Yulia was curled on the ground, terrified. The salesgirls were frightened. Yvette’s expression remained cold. “So, you’re willing to use your kid as leverage?” Winona denied it vehemently.
Yvette smiled softly. “Not important.”
Winona realized Yvette's pistol was aimed at her heart. She'd intended to use the child as leverage, but hadn't anticipated this. “You don’t dare! This is the Seacrity! If you kill me, you’re finished!”
Even as she spoke, Winona felt her courage fading. She was terrified of dying.
Just then, loud footsteps echoed. Thirty SWAT officers burst through the door. The salesgirl crawled toward them, shouting, “Police! Help! Gun! Shooting!”
Yulia, closest to the door, pushed it open and fled. Winona glared at Yvette, cradling her stomach. “Yvette, let’s see how you get out of this.”
Bonnie, terrified, tried to remain calm. “Yvette, this started because of me. I’ll take responsibility.” Yvette, barely paying attention, yawned and rubbed her head. “It’s a little thing; I don’t need you to step in.”