Chapter 17 The moment Janice saw Pandora she immediately burst into tears , feeling utterly wronged . " Mom , look at my face ! This vile woman burned met She ruined my looks ! " Now that the recording was deleted , Janice had already decided she was the victim . She was determined to have her mother deal with Talia today . Seeing Janice's swollen face , Pandora's heart ached , but she quickly turned to glare at Talia , her voice cold and commanding " You filthy woman ! How dare you ? Not only are you useless to the Russell family , but now you're going after Janice ! Today , I'm going to teach you some manners . Someone , bring the family law ! " Pandora said . " Yes , ma'am ! " The servant quickly brought over two things : a heavy sea bowl and an old wooden ruler . The ruler was infamous for being excruciatingly painful , leaving bruises with just one strike . Though it was called " family law , it was clearly meant only for Talia . Talia glanced coldly at the two items , remembering how , in her past life , whenever Pandora was unhappy , she would demand the " family law She would be forced to offer the ruler herself , kneel with her head beneath the sea bowl , and endure the punishment until Pandora was satished . For the sake of earning Pandora's acceptance , Talia had swallowed her pride and endured humiliation time and time again . Now, she took the ruler from the servant's hands . Out of the corner of her eye , she noticed Edric sitting on the sofa . His eyes gleamed with malicious amusement as he waited for her humiliation to unfold Pandora's expression hardened as she ordered , " What are you waiting for ? Hand me the ruler !" Talia raised the ruder . Pandora smiled in satisfaction , about to relish the moment . Without warning . Talla swung the sea bowl violently . It smashed to the ground , shards flying everywhere , hitting Pandora and Janice . " Ah ! " The mother and daughter screamed in shock , instinctively shielding their heads . They never expected Talia to fight back . Unprepared , they were hit by shards of porcelain - tiny pieces cutting into their hands and feet , leaving small trails s of blood " Talia ! Are you out of your mind ? " Pandora stumbled back , kicking away the shards . Her eyes widened in shock . She thought , " This little bitch must be on drugs to defy her like this ! up to enough Talia sneered , her voice icily calm . " It's a miracle I didn't kill you , old woman ! All the things you've done to me - one by one , they add up to en to lock you away for life . " " Your " The words " old woman " sent Pandora into a rage . She nearly leaped off the ground , her carefully composed face now twisted with fury . Shaking with anger , she pointed a trembling finger at Talia , scolding , " How dare you insult me Do you have any manners ? Huh ? Is this how Mrs. Russell . treat your husband's mother ? " you , as Pandora deliberately brought up her " perfect " son Edric , trying to remind Talia that she was nothing but a shadow behind him . As soon as Edric frowned , Talia would obey Talia shot a dismissive glance at Edric , who was sitting nearby , then raised the ruler with unhurried confidence . " How dare you strike your own savior ! " Is this how you , from a family of scholars , show respect ? This is how you repay someone who saved your life ? " " You ! " Pandora's face turned a deep shade of red , her body shaking with rage . It was a blow to her pride that she couldn't even process . When the Russell family went bankrupt , she had been saved by Talia who sold medicine- this was the greatest humiliation of her life . She could never bring herself to be grateful to Talia , to show any appreciation for what Talia had done . The debt had turned to enmity . She always felt that Talia would one day use this to control her . The more she saw Talia , the more she loathed her . Even when nothing was wrong , Pandora would find ways to make her life difficult . But no one would've thought that today , Talia would snap . Even Edric couldn't stop her . " I what ? " Talia's voice was low and dangerous as she idly twirled the ruler in her hand . Pandora's heart skipped a beat , and she instinctively took a step back . She thought , Is this madwoman really about to strike me ? 1/2 Chapter 17 Edric's unreadable eyes flickered with a hint of surprise . He looked at Talia with a complicated gaze . He thought , ' She has changed " 2/2 Title: ReelTalk EP 40 - Contract Lovers & Heartbreak CrushReel's ongoing romance series, Miss You After Goodbye, continues to captivate on the latest ReelTalk episode. Haley Lohrli dives into her daring new character, while Ben and Josh share insights into their own memorable roles, promising a blend of laughter and heartwarming moments. Exploring themes of love, loss, and unexpected connections, this episode delves deep into the intricate relationships that drive the narrative forward. As the stars reveal their on-screen chemistry and off-screen camaraderie, viewers are in for a treat with each unfolding scene. What sets this episode apart is its ability to balance humor with poignant storytelling, offering a refreshing take on modern romance dynamics. Dive into the world of Contract Lovers & Heartbreak, available to read at CrushReel for a journey that promises both entertainment and emotional resonance.