Jennifer never stood a chance.

The sharp slap cracked through the office corridor like a thunderclap, echoing off the glossy marble tiles and silencing even the air. Her cheek flushed an angry crimson, stark against her porcelain skin. A yelp tore from her throat, equal parts disbelief and humiliation. She stumbled back, her eyes wide with raw shock.

Linsy stood with her arm extended, hand still trembling from the blow. Her breathing was shallow, but her eyes, those obsidian orbs glinting ...