Elise's slap echoed through the air, stunning everyone present.

Gasps rippled through the crowd as they witnessed her unexpected ferocity.

Eva's cheek burned with searing pain. She stood frozen, unable to process what just happened. "A parent's failure to discipline their child reflects poorly on them," Elise stated coldly. "Since you refuse to teach your son proper behavior, I'll have to teach you instead!"

"Elise Scott!"

Eva's shrill scream pierced the air. She couldn't believe Elise had humiliated her so publicly in front of all these witnesses. Her social standing would be completely destroyed if this got out!

But Elise simply took James's hand and turned to leave, refusing to engage further.

Just as she moved to depart, Adam blocked her path, his expression dark and threatening. He had no intention of physically confronting a woman, especially one as beautiful as Elise.

However, as Eva's husband, this public slap was a direct insult to his honor—something he couldn't ignore. James immediately sensed the danger and positioned his small frame protectively in front of Elise.

Warmth flooded Elise's heart at James's brave gesture. Her little boy was willing to defend her despite his small size! She tightened her grip on his hand, determined to protect him from any harm.

"Don't think I won't strike a woman!" Adam threatened, his fleshy cheeks trembling with rage. "Get down on your knees and apologize to my wife right now, or you won't be leaving here anytime soon!"

"No!" Eva cried out, her voice shaking with anger. "She needs to pay for what she just did to me!"

"You heard my wife," Adam growled menacingly. "Either you apologize properly, or both you and your son will regret this deeply!"

Elise watched calmly as Adam and Eva confronted her, while their son Jerry smirked triumphantly behind them. She reached for her phone, planning to call William. There was no reason to endure this humiliation silently.

William was the best person to handle this situation.

But the moment her phone appeared in her hand, Adam snatched it away with a rough gesture.

Elise glared at him icily as he sneered, "What, calling the police? Don't you know I'm friends with the police commissioner? We have drinks every weekend! It's useless!"

"If that's true, then why are you so concerned?" Elise challenged coolly.

"He's always busy with important matters," Adam retorted. "I wouldn't bother him with something this trivial."

"Fine. Return my phone immediately," Elise demanded, her voice frosty.

"On your knees," the man said with vile satisfaction. "Apologize and let my wife slap you back. Then you can have your phone."

"And if I refuse?" Elise countered sharply.

"Do you think your pretty face gives you special privileges?!" Adam shrieked. "Do you believe every man will fall for your charms? Well, you're not my type at all! God knows how many men have been with you—you're disgusting!"

"Don't you dare talk to my mommy like that!" James suddenly shouted, his small face contorted with protective fury.

"You little bastard! Do you even know who your father is? This is between adults!" Adam scoffed derisively.

"My daddy is William Levine!" James yelled back with equal force.

For a moment, everyone seemed stunned into silence, then burst into mocking laughter, treating the child's declaration as an absurd joke.

"You insolent brat!" Adam raised his hand, preparing to strike James across the face.