Lauren deliberately paused, casting a glance at her mother before curling her lips into a cruel smile. Then she struck down with all her strength.

The heel of her high-heeled shoe stabbed straight into Max's temple. A surge of blinding pain exploded through his head, and Max thrashed wildly, unleashing strength far beyond normal. He actually managed to break free.

But his feet wobbled beneath him, as if he were dead drunk.

"Mom, why can't I stand steady?" Max said. The moment the words left h