“Isabella! How could you? How dare you defend that man in front of everyone!” Don Ricardo shouted, his face is red with anger, and his veins visible on his temples. “I—Father, I didn’t mean to—” Isabella stammered, her hands trembling as she tried to step back. “Didn’t mean to?” he barked. “You humiliated this entire family! You humiliated me!” “Dad, please, I was only—” “Only defending a useless man?” Don Ricardo’s voice cracked with fury. He raised his hand and slapped her across the face. Isabella staggered, her cheek is burning. She looked at her mother, who shook her head angrily, lips pressed tight. “Do you have any idea what you’ve done?” Don Ricardo shouted. “We raised you to honor this family, and this is how you repay us?!” “I… I just… I couldn’t let them lie about him,” Isabella whispered, her voice is shaking while talking , but she straightened her posture, gripping the edge of the table for support. “Lie? He’s a nobody!” her mother spat, stepping closer. “After