The crowd pressed closer, whispering hushed judgments as Victoria held her phone to her ear.
Clara backed up against a marble pillar, holding her arms tightly around her waist.
Clara: You are making a huge mistake, Victoria. You will regret treating me like this.
Victoria: Is that a threat? You are a guest in my venue, young lady!
Julian: Clara, stop talking and making this situation worse than it already is.
Clara: You have done nothing to protect me or your unborn child tonight, Julian.
Julian looked away awkwardly, clearing his throat while avoiding the angry eyes of his friends.
Victoria snapped her fingers at the two private security guards standing near the front doors.
Victoria: Escort this woman to the side office so she does not try to slip away!
Clara: Do not lay a single finger on me! I am pregnant and I need space!
The security guards hesitated, recognizing the deep distress in Clara's trembling voice.
One guard looked at Julian, waiting for the groom to confirm or cancel the harsh command.
Julian: Just take her to the manager's office so we can clear the main ballroom floor.
Clara felt a sharp stab of heartbreak as Julian officially approved her unjust detention.
She realized that pleading with these arrogant people would never change their cruel minds.
She took a deep step back, standing tall despite the tears streaming down her soft face.
Clara: I am not going into any back room with your private guards alone.
Victoria: You do not get to dictate terms here after stealing from my private quarters!
Clara: I did not steal anything from you or anyone else in this snobbish family!
She grabbed her silver clutch bag back off the tray with a firm and steady grip.
The crowd gasped at her sudden boldness, assuming she was trying to hide evidence inside.
Victoria: Stop her! She is reaching into her purse for the stolen item!
Clara ignored the shouts and unzipped the silver bag, revealing a sleek custom smartphone.
She tapped the screen quickly with her thumb, ignoring the security guards closing in on her.
The tension in the room reached an absolute peak as Clara pressed the phone to her ear.