Madeline sprang to her feet on reflex.

Skylar quickly scooped up Phoebe, an apologetic smile plastered on her face. "Dr. Smith, I’m so sorry. Phoebe just couldn't hold it properly."

But everyone present had seen it clearly: Phoebe hadn’t just “dropped” the cake. She had slapped it—deliberately.

Silence descended on the room, thick as honey, as all eyes turned instinctively toward Sebastian.

His expression remained unperturbed, as ...