Selina swiftly sidestepped, and the slap landed squarely on Katie's face instead.
"Ah! Honey!"
"You ungrateful child! You dare dodge?!"
Katie had just walked over, ready to mock Selina, when Selina grabbed her and pulled her in front as a shield.
Before Katie could react, the slap landed hard across her cheek.
Selina stood untouched behind her, while Katie took the hit for nothing.
"Selina, how could you? I'm your stepmother! Can't we talk things through? Did you really need to get physical?"
The onlookers began murmuring, pointing fingers at Selina.
"What's going on? She shows up and suddenly her father and stepmother are both upset."
"Don't worry, Mrs. Clark, you're still her legal mother. Just rein her in—she won't dare go too far."
Katie's face eased slightly.
"Selina, your father just asked for a little favor. Family doesn't hold grudges. What's the harm in letting us in?"
