Evelyn took half a step back, startled by the intense energy coming from Clara.
Older Woman: How dare you get so close to me!
Clara did not waste another single word explaining the complicated legal papers.
Instead, her right arm swung back and flashed across the warm room air.
A loud crack shattered the silence as Clara's hand made firm contact.
Evelyn's head jerked sideways from the sheer force of the sudden strike.
The crowd of party guests gasped loudly, several dropping their wine glasses.
Before Evelyn could recover her balance, Clara's backhand swung back round hard.
A second loud smack rang out across the high ceiling of the hall.
Evelyn stumbled backward on her high heels, her hair falling completely out of place.
Her face burned red with total humiliation as she gasped for precious air.
Clara stepped forward relentlessly, refusing to give the cruel woman any room.
Her hand struck a third time with ultimate precision and unstoppable maternal rage.
The third strike knocked Evelyn's expensive pearl earrings straight onto the floor.
Evelyn shrieked as she lost her balance completely and fell hard onto her hip.
She landed right in the puddle of dirty mop water she had poured earlier.
The satin of her fancy evening dress immediately soaked up the filthy water.
Shocked murmurs broke out among the guests as people backed away slowly.
Nobody moved forward to defend Evelyn from the furious mother standing tall.
Clara reached down and grabbed the dirty grey bucket resting near the puddle.
She picked up the remaining sloshing dirty water with one strong movement.
With a furious heave, Clara dumped the rest of the filthy liquid right over Evelyn.
The cold water drenched Evelyn's styled hair, running down her face and dress.
Evelyn sputtered and coughed, wiping grey slush away from her wide eyes.
Mother: Touch my daughter ever again and I will destroy you!
Clara's voice thundered through the banquet hall, silencing every single guest instantly.
Mother: I own this entire estate—now get on your knees and clean it yourself!
Evelyn looked up from the wet floor, her face pale with utter terror.
She saw no fear or hesitation remaining in Clara's sharp green eyes.
The powerful businesswoman standing before her was ready to tear down everything.
Lily watched from behind her mother, her small hands clutching Clara's pants leg.
For the first time all evening, the little girl felt completely safe and protected.