The heavy double doors of the grand ballroom burst open, sending a sharp echo across the crowded room[cite: 1].
Clara stepped inside, her black off-shoulder dress torn at the seam and covered in dust[cite: 1].
Deep red scratches and dark bruises marked her bare shoulder and the right side of her face[cite: 1].
Silence washed over the hundred wealthy guests as she marched straight past the decorated tables[cite: 1].
Victoria: Look at you, Clara! You look like a disgraced alley cat trying to cause a scene!
Clara: Shut your mouth, Victoria! You and your son aren't going to hide behind your money anymore!
Ethan: Don't talk to mother like that!
Ethan stepped forward aggressively, his face twisted in pure rage as he gritted his teeth.
Clara: Or what, Ethan? Are you going to hit me again in front of all these people?
Ethan: You asked for everything you got tonight, Clara! You don't know your place!
Victoria: Security! Get this crazy woman out of my charity gala right now!
Clara: This isn't your gala, Victoria. You paid for all of this with stolen inheritance money!
Clara kicked the side of the towering metal champagne cart with all her strength.
Victoria gasped and jumped backward as the giant display wobbled dangerously.
The entire cart flipped over onto the white marble floor with a deafening crash.
Hundreds of crystal champagne flutes shattered into pieces, splashing liquid across the floor.
Shocked gasps erupted from every corner of the room as guests scrambled back[cite: 1].
A trickle of blood ran down Clara’s cheek, but she didn't even bother to wipe it away.
She leaned in close to Ethan, her cold smile freezing him in his tracks.
Clara: Tomorrow you'll be begging for my forgiveness.
She turned on her heel and walked down the center aisle, her high heels clicking loudly against the marble.
Minutes later, Clara sat in the back of a black luxury car, listening to rain fall against the glass.
She pressed her smartphone against her ear as the driver pulled into the dark night.
Clara: Wipe the servers. Delete everything they have.