As Isabella's hands tightened around Carmen’s throat, the gravity of the situation dawned on her. If she continued to harm Carmen, she might never see her mother again. All the anger, betrayal, and desperation surged within her, but she knew she needed to think rationally. Her mother’s life was at stake, and losing control now could jeopardize everything.
With a sudden, sharp intake of breath, Isabella released Carmen’s neck, stepping back abruptly. Carmen stumbled, coughing and gasping for air, her hand instinctively going to her throat. Isabella’s heart raced as she watched Carmen try to regain her composure, the severity of what she had almost done hitting her like a wave.
Carmen glared up at Isabella, her eyes filled with a mixture of fear and fury. “You… you better know what’s best
