"Smack!"


    The sharp crack of Deanna''s p reverberated off the walls, Ste''s head snapping to the side as an angry red handprint bloomed across her cheek. The room fell dead silent - even the clock seemed to stop ticking as everyone froze, stunned by the violence.


    Ste had been caught off guard,pletely unprepared for the force of the p. Marvin gasped, his voice filled with concern, "Ste!"


    Haynes quickly intervened, stepping between them, "Mom, what are you doing?" Callie rushed over, her tone pleading, "Mom, please calm down. There has to be some misunderstanding."


    Only Rachel stood off to the side, a smirk ying on her lips, enjoying the drama.


    "Misunderstanding? She''s the one who was supposed to be watching Keen! Look where her negligencended him-in a hospital bed! Ste, let me tell you this-if anything happens to my grandson, I''ll make sure you regret it!"


    Ste stood there, disheveled and weary from rushing to the hospital, her hair falling messily over her face, obscuring her expression.


    Marvin looked at Ste, his worry evident as he reached for her hand. "Ste..." Her hand was as cold as ice.


    "I''m fine," Ste said quietly. She lifted her head, her eyes void of warmth as they met Deanna''s furious gaze. A small, unexpected smile formed on her lips.


    Everyone was taken aback. Despite the p, Ste was smiling. Deanna opened her mouth to speak, but before she could, Ste raised her hand and pped Haynes twice with resounding force.


    "Smack! Smack!"


    The room fell silent in shock.


    Deanna pointed a shaky finger at Ste, "You... you dare to hit my son?!"


    Ste met Deanna''s eyes calmly, "Haynes is not just your son; he''s my husband and Keen''s father. Those ps were on your behalf."


    Deanna was trembling with rage, almost on the verge of fainting. "Ste, are you rebelling?"


    "Save the act," Ste snorted. "Haynes fucked up royally and you''re over here pping me? Pick ane."


    The revtion that it was Haynes who had taken the child out hit Deanna hard. She turned to him, seeking confirmation.


    Haynes, his face dark and grim from the ps, met her gaze, "Mom, this has nothing to do with Ste."


    Deanna knew she''d overstepped-but pride stiffened her spine. "A woman''s duty is to her family," she dered, chin tilted defiantly. "Even if she''s not at fault, as Keen''s mother, she bears some responsibility."


    Ste''s eyes were as cold and clear as a mountain stream. "I''ll take responsibility for my actions, but why should I bear the brunt of my husband''s mistakes as well?"


    "Deanna, have you forgotten that you, too, are a woman when you belittle us so?"


    Deanna, infuriated by Ste''s defiance, moved to strike again. Ste''s voice was cool and steady, "Deanna, if youy another finger on me, I''ll report you for assault."


    Deannaughed bitterly, "Assault? Didn''t you just hit Haynes? The police would hold you ountable too!"


    Ste''s tone was mocking, "You misunderstand, Deanna. Haynes and I are married. Domestic disputes are seen as private matters, not something the police get involved in. Besides..."


    Ste fixed Deanna with a steely gaze, "If you can hit me, why shouldn''t I hit him? Just because I''m the daughter-inw of the O''Brien family doesn''t mean I have to be a doormat, does it?"