Chapter 2: The Woman Who Refused to Step Aside
Chapter 2: The Woman Who Refused to Step Aside
Victoria Langford's hand shot through the air.
"You worthless old—"
She never finished.
Emma's fingers closed around her wrist.
Firm.
Steady.
The ballroom froze.
For a heartbeat, Victoria simply stared at the waitress who had dared to touch her.
Then her expression twisted with disbelief.
"You just grabbed me."
Emma released her wrist immediately but did not move aside.
"Ma'am," she said evenly, "please step away from her."
Victoria laughed.
It was sharp enough to make several nearby guests flinch.
"Do you have any idea who I am?"
"No."
Emma met her eyes.
"And it doesn't matter."
A wave of whispers rolled through the ballroom.
Someone quietly muttered, "She's finished."
Another guest shook his head.
"Poor girl doesn't know who she's just challenged."
Victoria stepped closer until only inches separated them.
"I donate more to this city every year than you'll earn in your lifetime."
Emma remained where she was.
"That still doesn't give you the right to hit someone."
The words landed harder than a slap.
Victoria's face flushed crimson.
"You little waitress."
"I could have you fired before dessert."
Behind Emma, Isabella gently placed a trembling hand on her arm.
"My dear..."
"You don't have to do this."
Emma smiled softly without taking her eyes off Victoria.
"I know."
"I'm doing it anyway."
Across the room, Vincent Moretti watched every second without saying a word.
His security chief leaned toward him.
"Sir?"
Vincent slowly shook his head.
"Not yet."
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"I want to see who people become..."
"...when they think no one powerful is watching."
