Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Zoe betrayed a hint of insanity when she noticed Alyssa's anger. She poked her cheeks, taunting, "Slap me if you dare! I bet
you're dying to slap me. Come on!"
Alyssa dug her fingernails into her palms, knowing that taking Zoe's bait and laying a finger on Zoe would only put her at a
disadvantage.
To her surprise, she heard a loud sound as she witnessed Zoe slapping herself. Zoe did not have mercy on herself at all—her
cheeks were swollen, and her carefully styled bun came apart.
With that, Zoe grinned maliciously and strumbled out of the doors. Then, she held her cheek and dramatically collapsed on the
floor, drawing the attention of onlookers—media, guests, and staff alike.
Those nearby shifted their gazes onto Zoe before noticing Alyssa by the door.
"What happened? Let's check it out!"
"Did Alyssa and Zoe have a brawl? And over what? That's quite crude."
"What else could it be? Probably a spat over a man!"
"Jasper Beckett, right? Isn't he quite the catch? Seems like a lot of ladies are vying for his attention!"
"It seems that Ms. Alyssa slapped Ms. Zoe without mercy. Just look at Ms. Zoe's swollen cheeks."
"This doesn't look good at all. Given their social standing, they shouldn't be fighting in public. That really changes my impression
of Ms. Alyssa."
Guests engaged in gossip, largely pointing fingers at Alyssa, painting her as the aggressor and criticizing her conduct.
Armed with cameras, the reporters eagerly rushed over and encircled Zoe. Thriving on the attention, Zoe began to play the
victim.
Trembling, she pointed accusingly at Alyssa, tears streaming down her face. She sobbed, alleging, "Alyssa Taylor, you've
crossed a line! I understand you may resent me for the scandal with Jasper, but I've never betrayed you or badmouthed you.
Why are you targeting me and slapping me? Do you think your status as Belbanks' tycoon's daughter gives you the right to bully
us?"

Zoe cried her heart out, touching the hearts of the reporters. The public sentiment turned against Alyssa as someone remarked,
"So what if she's the daughter of Winston Taylor? We're in Solana City now! Do the Taylors still think they own the place?"
"Zoe is a respectable young lady. There's no reason she should be bullied. If I were there, I would've fought back!"
Alyssa scoffed at the ludicrous gossip with disdain. The smile on her lips was as icy as winter.
Her response to Zoe's allegations left everyone stunned. Alyssa quipped, "Fascinating. I've never witnessed such a spectacle in
my life."
Shooting a threatening look at Zoe, she continued fearlessly, "I'll admit, I did entertain the thought of hitting you, but I was
pleasantly surprised when you decided to slap yourself. It saves me from getting my hands dirty. What a lucky day!"