The silence in the grand ballroom was heavy and completely suffocating.
Victoria felt every eye in the massive house judging her harshly now.
She had worked so hard for years to enter this wealthy circle.
Now she was lower than the dirty floor water she had spilt.
Victoria: Daniel, we are supposed to be engaged next month!
Daniel: I was planning to ask you to marry me tonight.
Daniel pulled a small black velvet jewelry box from his coat pocket.
He opened the lid to reveal a flawless five-carat diamond ring.
Victoria's eyes widened with greed and regret at the shiny sight.
The diamond sparkled under the bright sunlight coming from tall windows.
Daniel: I brought this home to give to you before lunch.
Victoria: Oh Daniel, it is so beautiful, please give it to me!
Daniel snapped the velvet box closed with a sharp loud click.
Daniel: You will never wear a single piece of my family's heritage.
He slipped the box back into his dark vest pocket forever.
Victoria felt tears of pure rage and deep embarrassment hit her eyes.
Victoria: You can't ruin my life over a stupid water bucket!
Eleanor: It was never about the water, you foolish young woman.
Eleanor walked closer with absolute grace despite her soaked blue uniform.
Eleanor: It was about how you treat people when nobody is watching.
Eleanor: A person who tramples the humble will ruin a family business.
Eleanor: I will not allow my hard work to fund your cruelty.
Eleanor turned her gaze toward the head security guard standing nearby.
Eleanor: Marcus, please step forward right now.
The chief guard marched quickly across the marble floor to her side.
Marcus: Yes, Mrs. Sterling, how can I serve you today?
Eleanor: Escort Miss Victoria off the property grounds immediately.
Victoria: You can't throw me out! I am a invited guest here!
Daniel: This is my mother's house, and your invitation is revoked.
Marcus stepped firmly beside Victoria and motioned toward the grand exit.
Marcus: Please walk quietly to the front gate, Miss, or I assist.
Victoria looked at Daniel one last time with desperation in her face.
Daniel turned his back on her and held his mother's arm.
Victoria stomped her foot like a spoiled child on the wet floor.
She slipped slightly on the dirty water she had thrown earlier today.
The guests let out a collective low chuckle at her clumsy movement.
Victoria's face burned bright red as she held up her green dress.
She turned around and stormed down the long white marble hallway.
Her high heels clicked furiously until the main doors slammed closed shut.
The heavy thud of the door echoed through the tall grand room.
Daniel breathed out a long sigh of immense relief and sadness.
He looked down at his silver-haired mother with love and deep respect.
Daniel: I am so sorry you had to go through that, Mom.
Eleanor: Do not be sorry, my son, it was a necessary lesson.