Charles lost his temper. In a flash, he lunged forward, his hand shooting out to clamp around Chloe's throat. "How dare you talk to me like that?" he snarled.
The sudden pressure stole the air from her lungs. Chloe's nails dug into his wrist and arm as she struggled to breathe. Panic flared in her eyes, but Charles didn't falter. Rage had swallowed him whole, drowning out reason and restraint. All that remained was his need to punish her.
"You've forgotten who I am?" he growled through clenched teeth. "You deserve to be taught a lesson."
His fingers tightened mercilessly, blocking her windpipe. Black spots danced at the edges of Chloe's vision as her struggles grew frantic and wild. She tried to shove him away, but he forced her backward, step by step, until her body slammed hard against the boundary wall at the side of the road.
The impact rattled her bones.
"Summer has ruined you," Charles spat. "She taught you to disrespect your father."
