The sudden noise of the dropped leather briefcase echoed through the large banquet hall.
Several guests quickly turned their heads to see who had just arrived at the entrance.
Clara did not care about the eyes resting on her business suit.
Her focus remained completely locked on her weeping daughter kneeling in dirty water.
High heels clicked sharply against the floor as Clara began to sprint forward.
She shoved past two shocked guests who were holding up their smartphones.
Without caring about her expensive clothes, Clara slid down onto her knees on the marble.
She immediately wrapped her strong arms around Lily's shivering little body.
Mother: Oh my God, baby, I've got you!
Lily buried her face directly into her mother's neck, sobbing hysterically.
The dirty water soaked right into Clara's clean black jacket, but she ignored it.
She pulled her daughter closer, pressing her cheek against the girl's wet hair.
Clara could feel how fast her child's little heart was beating in panic.
Lily: Mommy, she yelled at me and dumped dirty water on me!
Lily pointed a trembling finger directly at Evelyn, who stood nearby with a smirk.
Clara looked up at her mother-in-law, her hands holding Lily firmly to her chest.
Evelyn did not show a single drop of regret or shame on her face.
Instead, she straightened her posture and looked down at them with total contempt.
Older Woman: She needed to learn her place in this family!
Evelyn spoke loudly so all the wealthy guests could hear her clearly.
Older Woman: A ruined drink costs real money, and she is far too spoiled!
The surrounding guests whispered softly, some nodding along with Evelyn's cruel words.
Clara felt a wave of intense heat rise up from the bottom of her chest.
She gently set Lily down slightly behind her on a dry patch of floor.
Mother: Stay behind me, sweetie, and do not move.
Lily nodded slowly, wiping her teary eyes with the palm of her hand.
Clara stood up slowly, her body rising to its full height with rigid posture.
The helpless fear in Clara's eyes completely vanished, replaced by a cold fire.
She adjusted her coat sleeves as the entire room went completely quiet.
Nobody dared to make a sound as the atmosphere turned heavy and dangerous.
Evelyn raised her chin arrogantly, completely unaware of what was coming next.
She truly believed she was untouchable because of her high social status.
Clara took one slow, deliberate step forward onto the slippery wet floor.
Her eyes were locked onto Evelyn with a burning intensity that terrified nearby onlookers.
The tension in the banquet hall stretched until it was ready to snap.