Chapter twenty: Crossing the line

The verbal sparring between Sabastian and Sebrina escalated into a full-blown confrontation,

 echoing through the otherwise silent office. Their voices, each laden with resentment and defiance, reached a crescendo that drew the attention of everyone in the vicinity. 

The team, once united by a common purpose, now stood divided by the growing chasm between their leaders.

Felix, unfazed by the chaos, stood at a distance, sipping his tea with a bemused expression. 

The other members of the team gathered outside the door, their faces a mix of curiosity and concern. The air crackled with the tension of unspoken words and unresolved conflicts.

Sabastian, his patience worn thin, suddenly rose from his seat, a dangerous glint in his eyes. In a swift and shocking gesture

, he brought his hand down with a resounding slap, the sound cutting through the heated exchange. Sebrina recoiled, her hand instinctively flying to her reddened cheek.

The room fell into stunned silence, the weight of Sabastian's actions lingering in the air. Sebrina, her face flushed with a mixture of shock and indignation, locked eyes with him. The onlookers, 

their expressions ranging from disbelief to outrage, waited for the next move in this twisted dance of power.

Without missing a beat, Sebrina took a step back, her hand still pressed against her stinging cheek.

 A sardonic smile played on her lips as she clapped, the sound ringing in the aftermath of the slap. 

"Great! Just great, boss!"

 she exclaimed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. She moved forward, her gaze unyielding, and then added, 

"Didn't you freaking ever learn never to hit a female, you bastard"

 Her tone was laced with a combination of mockery and defiance.

Felix, who had been an amused spectator until now, suddenly set aside his cup of tea and stepped forward.

 His gaze bore into Sabastian with a disapproving intensity. 

"You've crossed a line, Sabastian. No matter the circumstances, violence is never the answer."

Sebrina, her defiance unwavering, continued to hold Sabastian's gaze. The dynamics within 

the room had shifted, and the consequences of their confrontation would reverberate through the delicate balance of power they had tried to maintain.

Sabastian, confronted by the disapproving gazes of both Felix and Sebrina, found himself in a moment of reckoning.

 The weight of his impulsive action settled upon him as he struggled to meet the accusing eyes of those around him.

Felix, breaking the silence with a stern tone, declared, 

"You've crossed a line, Sabastian. No matter the circumstances, violence is never the answer. You've jeopardized not only your position but the very foundation of this team."

Sebrina, her eyes reflecting a mix of defiance and hurt, added,

 "You can't command respect through fear, Sabastian. This changes everything."

 Her words hung in the air, a verdict echoing through the once cohesive team.

As the tension thickened, a sudden voice cut through the strained atmosphere. Kassie, who had been silently observing, stepped forward.

 "No matter what, hitting someone is not right,"

 she asserted, aligning herself with Sebrina. 

"And more so, if you know them well. Sabastian, you of all people should understand that."

Kassie's words carried a weight of history, a reminder of shared moments that now seemed distant and fractured

She approached him, her gaze unwavering. 

"Congratulations, you just lost your strongest ally."

As the repercussions of Sabastian's impulsive act reverberated through the room, Kassie, with a somber expression, stepped forward. 

"No matter the circumstances, violence is never justified. You've changed, Sabastian, and not for the better."

Later that night-

Later that night, the moon cast its silvery glow over Sabastian's luxurious home. His laughter echoed through the spacious rooms as

 he entered, his demeanor still colored by the satisfaction of asserting dominance in the chaotic office clash. A self-satisfied smile played on his lips as he made his way to the bedroom.

As Sabastian laid in bed, reveling in the triumph of his power play, the ambiance shifted. A lady, dressed in an

 exquisite gown that seemed to shine in the moonlight, laid beside him. Her presence exuded an air of elegance and mystery, her head gently resting on his chest.

"How did it go, love?" 

she inquired, her eyes filled with a knowing glint. Sabastian's expression softened, and his smile widened.

"Great, fantastic.!" 

replied with genuine enthusiasm. The lady, seemingly pleased with his response, smiled in return.

"I am pleased to hear that," 

she said, leaning in as he affectionately patted her head.