Chapter 97

Damon's POV

My mother's face contorted with anger, and before I could react, she slapped me hard across the face. I stumbled backward, my cheek stinging with pain.

"Mother, how could you?" I whispered, tears welling up in my eyes.

"I'm sorry, my dear," she said, her voice softening. "I just got carried away. Please forgive me."

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. As angry and hurt as I was, I knew that my mother loved me in her own way. But I also knew that I had to stand my ground and protect what was important to me, even if it meant going against my own mother.

"I can't sell the company to you, mother," I said firmly. "But I promise to always take care of you and provide for you, no matter what happens."

It was as though I could see her insides turned as I said those words. She was trying it hard for the first time to hide the rage but I could see it all, she was doing a poor job.

I quickly drifted my gaze from her and I sat ac