The screen of the smartphone reflected tears streaming down Clara's pale cheeks. She held the phone against her ear, leaning against a framed Texas state map on the wall. The ballroom was filled with loud accusations from the Vance family.
Clara: DAD, HELP ME! THEY'RE HUMILIATING ME!
Marcus: Clara? What is happening? I am two minutes away from the main gate.
Clara: They tore my dress! Evelyn and Chloe are screaming that I'm a thief!
Marcus: Stay where you are. Nobody touches my family.
The phone line went dead. Clara squeezed the device against her chest, drawing a ragged breath. Evelyn laughed loudly, stepping forward with the torn silver brooch in her palm.
Evelyn: Who are you calling? Your broke father? Let him come so the security team can throw him out.
Chloe: He probably works for the landscaping company, Mom.
Julian: Clara, give me your phone. Let me talk to him and clear this up.
Clara: Stay away from me, Julian. You didn't stop them!
Julian lowered his hands, feeling a deep wave of shame as he looked at the torn blue gown. The guests gathered in small groups, whispering continuously about the scene unfolding before them.
Evelyn: Call the police right now! I want this woman arrested for grand theft!
Clara: That brooch was a gift from my father when I turned eighteen!
Evelyn: Lie all you want! The court will take your baby away once you are behind bars!
The double oak doors at the entrance of the ballroom rattled softly. Heavy footsteps echoed down the grand hallway outside, accompanied by the sound of several dark suits entering the main foyer.