The grand ballroom in downtown Dallas was filled with bright lights, expensive flowers, and the soft sound of a live string band. Wealthy businessmen in black tuxedos and socialites in colorful designer dresses mingled near the long champagne bars. Waiters in neat suits walked through the crowd, carrying trays of tiny appetizers and chilled wine glasses. Everyone was laughing, taking photos, and showing off their shiny jewelry under the heavy crystal chandeliers dangling from the high ceilings.
At the center of all the attention was Victoria Vance, wearing a striking emerald green silk gown that swept the polished floor. She held her head high and smiled widely at the city mayor and a group of rich real estate investors. Victoria loved events like this because they gave her a chance to act like the undisputed queen of Texas society. Her late husband had left her a massive estate, a giant mansion, and control of a multi-million-dollar company. At least, that was the story she told everyone in town.
Working near the back wall was twenty-three-year-old Hannah Miller, dressed in a simple black and white maid uniform. Her hands were small and neat, but her shoulders were strong from long hours of physical labor. Hannah picked up empty crystal goblets from the high tables and placed them quietly onto her silver tray. Her face was calm, but her eyes were sharp as she watched Victoria float around the crowded room. Nobody in that ballroom paid any attention to Hannah, treating her like a piece of quiet furniture.
Hannah took a deep breath and reminded herself to stay focused on her plan. For three long months, she had worked quietly as a simple serving girl in the Vance household. She washed the heavy dishes, folded the soft linens, and cleaned the wide marble steps every morning. She suffered through Victoria's endless insults and cold demands without saying a single angry word back. Hannah knew that reacting too soon would ruin everything she had worked so hard to build behind the scenes.
Victoria turned her head and spotted Hannah standing near the expensive glass art display near the front stage. Victoria excused herself from the mayor with a fake laugh and marched straight toward the young maid. Her heavy gold earrings jingled as her expensive high heels clicked loudly against the floor. Her face twisted into a look of deep disgust as she looked at Hannah's plain black shoes and simple white apron. Victoria always felt better about herself whenever she was making someone else feel small and weak.
Victoria: You are moving way too slow tonight!
Hannah: I am cleared three tables already, ma'am.
Victoria: I do not care what you cleared!
Victoria pointed a manicured red nail directly at Hannah's face, her voice rising so nearby guests turned to watch. Several wealthy couples paused their chatter, turning their heads to see what the commotion was all about. Victoria smiled slightly, enjoying the sudden audience watching her command her staff.
Victoria: The main table needs fresh silver right now!
Hannah: The kitchen is washing the silverware now.
Victoria: Do not give me excuses, you useless girl!
Hannah held her tray flat, her blue eyes looking straight into Victoria's angry face without flinching. That calm look only made Victoria's temper flare even higher. She hated that this simple maid did not look terrified like the other household workers usually did when she yelled.