The crystal chandeliers of the Grand Venetian Ballroom poured blinding, high-key light across three hundred wealthy guests in tuxedos and silk gowns. Waiters in white gloves moved between tables carrying silver trays of vintage wine, but nobody in the room was looking at the wine. All eyes were locked onto the center of the marble floor, where a loud, sharp crack echoed off the white walls.
Julian: Shut your mouth! You are embarrassing me in front of the board!
The force of the slap sent Clara staggering backward across the polished marble. Her heels clicked frantically as she tried to keep her balance, her hand flying to her stinging cheek. The room went dead silent. Guests lowered their champagne flutes, gasping in horror at the sudden violence.
Clara: Stay close to me!
Clara didn't scream or cry. Instead, she spun around instantly, reaching down to grab her eight-year-old daughter, Lily. Lily was wearing a blush pink dress, her small arms trembling as she sobbed into Clara's emerald green silk skirt. Clara wrapped her arms around the girl, shielding her body entirely from the towering man in front of them.
Julian: Give me the girl, Clara! She comes with me!
Clara: How could you do that?! How could you lay a hand on me in front of our daughter?!
Julian: She is my daughter, and I am taking her home right now!
Julian took a step forward, his black tuxedo jacket open, his face flushed with rage. But as he reached out his hand, Clara stood her ground. Her eyes flared with a fierce, protective fury, tears glistening on her cheeks as she gritted her teeth.
Clara: Never touch her.
Before Julian could grab Lily's arm, his knees suddenly buckled. The powerful CEO dropped dramatically onto the hard marble floor, hitting the stone with a heavy thud. He raised both hands in desperation, looking up at Clara with wide, pleading eyes.
Julian: Please! Let me explain! Clara, please don't do this!
The entire crowd leaned forward, trying to understand why the most powerful billionaire in the city was begging on his knees before the woman he had just struck. But Clara didn't move an inch. She leaned down close to his ear and whispered two words that made Julian's whole world collapse.