In this excerpt from "Lady Whistledown Strikes Back" by Karen Hawkins, a tension-filled conversation unfolds between two characters. The woman is startled to learn that the man returned to England not for his own reasons, but because she had requested it. This revelation prompts an emotional response, where she expresses her frustration at feeling responsible for his actions. She feels that both his departure and return are linked to her influence, which she resents deeply. As the argument escalates, she accuses him of making her feel guilty and blames him for turning her emotions upside down. Her outburst culminates in a declaration of anger, labeling him a "beast" before she storms out of the room. This moment underscores the complexities of their relationship, highlighting themes of responsibility, frustration, and emotional turmoil.

In this excerpt from "Lady Whistledown Strikes Back" by Karen Hawkins, a tension-filled conversation unfolds between two characters. The woman is startled to learn that the man returned to England not for his own reasons, but because she had requested it. This revelation prompts an emotional response, where she expresses her frustration at feeling responsible for his actions. She feels that both his departure and return are linked to her influence, which she resents deeply.

As the argument escalates, she accuses him of making her feel guilty and blames him for turning her emotions upside down. Her outburst culminates in a declaration of anger, labeling him a "beast" before she storms out of the room. This moment underscores the complexities of their relationship, highlighting themes of responsibility, frustration, and emotional turmoil.