The restaurant was quiet, which made the sharp sound of the slap ring out even more harshly.
In an instant, every head turned toward Isabella Sinclair's table.
She clutched her reddened cheek, her fingers trembling slightly as tears streamed down her face.
"You've been staring at him ever since you sat down!"
Elon Muskov's voice was low, but the anger in it was unmistakable.
"If you enjoy watching so much, why don't you go back and live with him?"
From the moment they sat down, Isabella had seemed distracted. Even while ordering, her gaze kept drifting across the room.
Elon followed her line of sight and saw Kobe Gray and Sophia Laurent laughing together, their conversation light and easy.
In contrast, Isabella's expression was tight with resentment.
At first, Elon Muskov tried to ignore it. But even when he spoke to her, her eyes would unconsciously wander back to Kobe Gray.
That was the final straw.
Possessiveness flared into anger, and without thinking, he raised his hand and struck her.
Kobe Gray frowned slightly when he saw it, his expression darkening.
"Feeling sorry for her?" Sophia Laurent asked lightly, a teasing edge in her voice.
Kobe shook his head without hesitation. "Sorry for her? No. I just can't stand men hitting women."
With that, he lowered his gaze and continued eating, as if nothing had happened.
As far as he was concerned, he and Isabella Sinclair were already over. She had chosen this path herself, she would have to bear whatever came with it.
He wasn't the kind of person who would rush in to save an ex-girlfriend. The fact that he wasn't mocking her already was restraint enough.
Around them, the other diners watched with clear discomfort.
Slapping a woman in public was anything but gentlemanly. Most of the people dining here had a certain level of status, and scenes like this left a bad taste in their mouths.
Still, no one stepped forward.
Everyone knew better than to invite trouble.
At that moment, Seraphina Frost approached quietly and handed Isabella a tissue.
"Ma'am, would you like me to call the police?"
The simple act of kindness broke whatever composure Isabella had left. Her shoulders shook as her sobs grew louder.
Seeing this, Seraphina took out her phone.
But before she could dial, Elon Muskov suddenly stood up, snatched it from her hand, and slammed it onto the ground with a sharp crack.
"Do you think I need you meddling in my business?"
There was something dangerous in his eyes.
He had a past in the underworld. Even if he had since changed his ways, that edge never truly left him. Now, with his temper unleashed, that old brutality surfaced without restraint.
Seraphina froze, a chill running through her as she met his bloodshot gaze.
Just then, the restaurant manager rushed over, wearing a practiced smile.
"Sir, I'm terribly sorry! Our staff member is new and doesn't understand the rules. Please don't take it to heart."
He bowed slightly, his tone deferential.
"How about this… we'll waive the cost of your meal today. Would that be acceptable?"
He hoped to smooth things over quickly.
But Elon Muskov didn't appreciate it.
He let out a cold snort and sat back down, his expression dark.
"Do I look like someone who can't afford a meal?" His voice was icy, almost mocking.
The manager immediately crouched slightly, lowering himself further.
"I'm sorry, sir, that's not what I meant. It was our staff's mistake for disturbing your dining experience. How would you like this resolved?"
He was experienced enough to recognize a difficult customer. Instead of blindly apologizing, it was better to let the man state his demands.
Elon Muskov's gaze shifted slowly, settling on Seraphina Frost, who stood there stiffly, her fingers trembling.
"I want her to apologize to me."
He pointed at her.
The manager nodded quickly.
An apology was nothing unusual in the service industry.
He gave Seraphina a look, signaling her to comply.
Though she felt wronged, she stepped forward anyway. Just as she bent slightly, preparing to apologize…
Elon Muskov raised a hand to stop her.
"I mean kneel down and bow in apology to me."
He pointed at the floor, a smug smile creeping onto his face.
Having lost face earlier, he clearly intended to take it back here.
Seraphina froze mid-motion.
Her eyes instinctively turned to the manager, filled with quiet pleading.
But the manager didn't hesitate. He gestured firmly for her to comply, urging her not to delay.
To him, this was simple.
Face didn't matter in this line of work. As long as the issue was resolved and the hotel's reputation remained intact, nothing else was important.
But Seraphina was only eighteen.
At an age where pride and dignity burned strongest, being forced to kneel in public was no small matter.
Especially when she had done nothing wrong.
He had been the one to strike someone… and destroy her phone.
All she had done was try to help.
The more she thought about it, the more resentment welled up inside her.
"Sir... you broke my phone. Shouldn't you give me an apology?"
Her voice trembled slightly, a mix of fear and defiance.
The manager's expression changed instantly.
He had nearly calmed things down… but her words reignited everything.
Just as he stepped forward to stop her, Elon Muskov moved first.
"Say that again. I didn't hear you clearly."
He leaned in close, his voice low and dangerous.
Seraphina pressed her lips together, summoning what little courage she had left.
"I said... you broke my phone, so you should…"
Before she could finish, Elon Muskov shoved her hard.
Caught off guard, she stumbled backward. Instinctively, she reached out and grabbed onto a large emerald-green vase behind her.
But the sudden force knocked it over.
It crashed to the ground with a loud shatter.
Fragments scattered everywhere.
Seraphina fell with it, landing among the broken pieces. Sharp shards cut into her palms, and fresh blood quickly seeped out.
"You've got guts, don't you?"
Elon Muskov sneered, rolling up his sleeves as he stepped toward her.
"A waiter like you dares talk back? Want me to pay for your phone?"
His voice was filled with contempt.
Seeing him advance again, Kobe Gray didn't hesitate this time.
He pushed his chair back and stood up immediately, stepping forward to shield Seraphina Frost.