My father-in-law took blow after blow until blood filled his mouth. He spat out several broken teeth with a guttural wail, then collapsed.
Terror seized me. I lunged to shield him, but security slammed me into the carpet, pinning my limbs down.
"Leon!"
Zoe rushed to save her husband, but Jasmine caught her arm in a vice grip.
"Didn't expect an old hag like you to afford Hermès." Jasmine's eyes raked over her. "Your whole family's been sucking Tony dry for years, haven't you?"
"You cheap tramp!" Zoe's voice shook. "What exactly is your relationship with our Anthony?"
Even now, she refused to believe her son would cheat.
Jasmine smirked down at her. "I own this restaurant. And I'm Anthony Sanchez's current girlfriend." A cruel laugh escaped her. "Your useless daughter-in-law? On her way out."
Zoe trembled with rage. "What nonsense—"
She raised her hand to slap the younger woman, but Jasmine struck first. The blow sent Zoe crumbling to the floor.
"Mom!" I screamed.
Zoe had a severe heart condition. The shock triggered it instantly. She clutched her chest, gasping, curling into a ball of agony.
"Zoe!" Leon tried to crawl toward her, dragging his battered body across the floor. Jasmine's heel came down on his hand, crushing his fingers.
I struggled against the guards. Their grip was iron.
"Are you insane?" I shrieked. "They're Anthony's parents! If anything happens to them, he'll kill you!"
Jasmine froze. The guards exchanged uneasy glances, their hold loosening slightly.
"Manager Maxwell," one ventured, "this lady does resemble Mr. Sanchez. Could she really be—"
"Impossible!" Jasmine scoffed. "Tony's parents live abroad. He just told me he bought tickets to visit them."
My stomach dropped. My in-laws had been enjoying retirement overseas. They'd returned secretly to surprise their son for New Year, contacting me to pick them up.
I never imagined the surprise would become a nightmare.
Before I could explain, Leon choked down blood and pointed a trembling finger at Zoe's handbag.
"Medicine... save your mother!"
I scrambled for the bag, but Jasmine barked, "Hold her down! Gag them both. I'm calling Tony myself."
Rough hands clamped over my mouth. Jasmine dialed on speaker.
"Babe," she cooed, her voice transforming to sugar. "When you go to Canada, can I come? I want to meet your parents."
Anthony chuckled. "No. They don't know I'm divorcing Violet yet. Need to break it to them gently."
"Will they be coming back soon? I wanted to prepare a gift."
"Probably not. My mom's health is too fragile for long flights. Once we're married, I'll take you to meet them."
They exchanged a few more sickeningly sweet words before Jasmine hung up. Her face darkened instantly.
"Damn it. Almost fell for your cheap trick!"
She stormed over and slapped me. My head snapped sideways, cheek burning—but panic for Zoe consumed me.
"Please," I begged. "Her heart medication is in the bag. She's dying!"
"First you impersonate Tony's parents for a free meal, now you're faking a heart attack for compensation?"
Jasmine crouched, patting my cheek mockingly. "No money? This Hermès bag will cover the bill."
She stood and waved at the guards. "Throw these grifters out."
"I want to see who dares!" Leon roared hoarsely, struggling to stand. "I am Anthony Sanchez's father!"
Jasmine kicked him in the mouth.
"Old wretch. Open your trap again and I'll shatter every tooth you have left."
"Dad!"
Red rage blurred my vision. I fought toward him, but the guards dragged me backward, shoving us all toward the exit.
