Chapter 39. Smacked and Kidnapped

Elena’s POV

I froze. My heart stopped. Why was Bella on stage? And why was she pointing at me like I’d done something unforgivable?

“Seriously, Elena?” she barked, her voice sharp enough to slice through the murmurs of the ballroom. “After everything, this is how you repay me?”

“What… Bella, wait—this isn’t…” I tried to speak, but my words faltered.

“Don’t you dare try to explain!” she hissed, stepping closer. Her eyes blazed, her hand shooting out before I could react and SLAP! The sound rang through the hall, amplified by the microphones. Every head turned. Gasps filled the air. “You’re nothing but a liar! A cheat! A manipulator!” she shouted. “First Mark, now my brother… How many men have you ruined for your own gain?”

“No! That’s not true!” I yelled, my voice shaking, but she cut me off.

“Oh, it’s very true,” she sneered. “And the proof is right here!” She clicked the remote. The screen behind us shifted instantly, the AI project slides