Joey crumpled to the ground, utterly helpless. His legs wouldn''t move, and he couldn''t muster the strength to get back up. He lookedpletely defeated, and the crowd couldn''t help but feel sorry for him.


    Mrs. Jenkins, always the town busybody, had been giving Gianna a piece of her mind just moments before. Now, seeing Joey in such a state, she was furious. She stormed over to Gianna, shoving her hard and pping her across the face. "You heartless witch! How can you be so cruel? Your man''s down, and you don''t even care? People like you deserve a good thrashing." Mrs. Jenkins was infamous for meddling in everyone''s business without ever really getting the facts straight.


    Gianna, her cheek stinging from the p, lost it. She shoved Mrs. Jenkins back with all her might. "He got what he deserved! That''s karma for his betrayal! So what if I took his money? Without me, he wouldn''t have earned a cent. That money was mine to begin with. Joey, you''ve got the nerve toe after me? Why don''t you just drop dead already?"


    Her rage boiling over, Gianna grabbed Joey by the cor and screamed in his face, "You should''ve died in that ident! Look at you, living like a dog, depending on others for everything. Doesn''t it shame you? Even your own parents can''t stand you when you soil yourself. What''s the point of your pathetic life, wasting everyone''s time and air?"


    Every word cut deep, and Joey''s thoughts drifted to the disdain from those around him, the women who once flocked to him, and the promising career that all crumbled because of Gianna.


    Sent back to his hometown, Joey''s parents barely cared for him, disgusted by his condition. He overheard them saying they wished he''d just fade away, which pushed him to seek out Gianna in Riverdale.


    If he died, she''d only benefit.


    With her beauty and youth, she''d just spend his money on some other guy.


    Staring at Gianna''s spiteful face, Joey felt a murderous rage swell up.


    "Gianna, you vicious snake, we''ll die together then!" he roared, using all his strength to push her to the ground. From his pocket, he pulled out a bottle of sulfuric acid and flung it at her face and body. The crowd gasped and backed away in horror as Gianna''s screams filled the air, her face and hands burning from the acid.


    Joey watched her writhe in agony andughed maniacally. "You brought this on yourself, Gianna. I won''t let you enjoy my money with someone else. You ruined me, so I''ll ruin you!" Gianna''s cries for help were gut-wrenching. She didn''t dare touch her face, now a horrifying mess of burns.


    For someone who prized her looks above all, this was a fate worse than death.


    The onlookers, shocked and panicked, quickly called 911. An ambnce and the police arrived soon after. Gianna was rushed to the hospital, while Joey was taken into custody.


    Cynthia got a call from the hospital and rushed over, breaking down in tears upon learning about Gianna''s disfigurement and critical condition.


    Anastasia learned about the incident from Monica. A video of Gianna and Joey''s brutal street fight, including the horrific acid attack, had gone viral.


    Online, opinions were divided-some said Joey was too harsh, others believed Gianna got what she deserved.


    Anastasia was stunned; the retribution hade swiftly and brutally.


    Monica''s voice on the phone held a grim satisfaction. "Gianna went too far, and now she''s reaping what she sowed. For someone as vain as her, having her face destroyed is probably worse than death." Indeed, this retribution was a living hell.


    As Anastasia processed the news, Salma came home with Pattie. "Ana, you''re back. Help Pattie with her homework, will you? I''ll get started on dinner."


    "Mum, Gianna''s been attacked with acid by Joey," Anastasia blurted out.


    "What?" Salma eximed, her voice echoing the shock that had gripped the entiremunity.