Final answer:
In the given reading, 'malediction' means a curse, indicating a negative response involving a wish of harm or evil. option c is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The word "malediction" as used in the given reading refers to a spoken curse. In the context of the passages, it suggests that she uttered a curse in response to the apology, indicating a negative and possibly hateful reaction rather than one of forgiveness or mere sadness.
While shrug, tears, and forgiveness may all be responses to an apology, they do not carry the same connotation as a malediction, which is specifically a wish of harm or evil. Therefore, the correct answer to what "malediction" means in this reading is (c) Curse.