Sylvia Savigny's fingers tightened around Yvonne Valois' throat. Yvonne coughed violently, her face flushing crimson.

She didn't struggle. Resistance would mean the failure of today's negotiation.

The Valois family had abandoned her. Even her own father had severed ties.

If she didn't act now, she would lose her last chance to return home.

She had nothing left—except her family.

But she hadn't expected Jenna Roland to bring so many people.

Jenna lounged on the sofa, arms crossed. "Weren't you going to apologize to Sylvia? Get on with it."

Swallowing her humiliation, Yvonne forced herself to stand. "Sylvia, I shouldn't have kidnapped you. I shouldn't have tried to kill you. I was wrong."

She bowed deeply, her posture submissive.

Sylvia wasn't satisfied.

"Two attempts on my life, and a simple 'sorry' is enough?" Sylvia's eyes glittered with malice. "I want you to kneel."

Yvonne's head snapped up. "What?"

"On your knees. Kowtow and beg for forgiveness." Sylvia enunciated each word.

Yvonne froze. She hadn't anticipated this demand.

The room was crowded. Stella Laurent watched with glee. Jenna's gaze pinned her in place.

If she knelt, her dignity would be shattered.

But she had no choice.

Gritting her teeth, Yvonne dropped to her knees with a thud. "Sylvia, please forgive me."

Sylvia grabbed her hair and delivered four sharp slaps across her face.

The sound of skin striking skin echoed through the room.

Yvonne's cheeks swelled instantly. Blood trickled from the corner of her mouth.

"Never thought you'd end up like this, did you?" Sylvia yanked her hair backward. "Lucien Valois never loved you. He wouldn't even touch you. Was it worth it?"

The woman who once commanded respect now lay broken.

"We're divorced," Yvonne murmured.

Sylvia paused, then burst into laughter. "So you were thrown out! Though you should've seen it coming."

Yvonne endured the humiliation in silence.

Sylvia released her and turned to Jenna. "Thanks for letting me vent."

"Don't mention it." Jenna's eyes shifted to Yvonne. "Now, about Ethan Roscente's matter."

As Yvonne tried to rise, Sylvia kicked the back of her knee.

"Who said you could stand?" Sylvia sneered. "Stay on your knees."

Yvonne collapsed, pain shooting through her kneecaps and palms.