Elisabeth's POV
The ballroom fell into a silence so complete it felt suffocating. Andy's accusation cut through the air like a blade, each word designed to wound. The entire crowd seemed to hold its breath, waiting for my response.
I felt Jefferson tense beside me, a low rumble escaping his throat. My chest tightened as shame and fury collided inside me, creating a storm I could no longer contain. Without thinking, I rose to my feet, my chair scraping against the marble floor.
"How could you possibly say that to me?" The words trembled on my lips, but I refused to back down.
Andy's expression twisted into something cold and calculating. His smile held no warmth, only cruelty. "Tell me I'm wrong then."
Wrong? He wanted to play this game here, in front of everyone?
"You really want to have this conversation now? Perfect." My voice grew stronger with each word, fed by years of suppressed anger. "Let's talk about how you spent six months putting your hands on me."
