By four in the afternoon, the mansion was filled with the soft clinking of fine crystal glasses and the quiet laughter of prominent Dallas oil executives and local politicians. Evelyn stood by the tall glass windows, pointing out her pristine gardens while Julian moved smoothly through the crowd, shaking hands and talking about his upcoming commercial real estate expansion. Clara stayed near the back pillar, nursing a small glass of ice water and watching her husband act like a perfect gentleman.
Evelyn: Clara, come over here and serve the tea to Mrs. Gable.
Clara: The caterers are standing right next to the tray, Evelyn.
Evelyn: I asked you to do it. It shows proper respect from the youngest woman here.
Clara: I am feeling very dizzy right now, Evelyn. I need to sit down.
Evelyn: You are just being dramatic to pull attention away from Julian's announcement.
The guests turned their heads slightly, hearing the sharp edge in Evelyn's voice. Clara felt her face turn hot with deep embarrassment as Mrs. Gable offered a small, pitying smile. Julian quickly walked over, putting a heavy hand on Clara's shoulder, pressing down with enough force to make her stay in place while keeping a polite smile fixed on his face for the surrounding guests.
Julian: Do what my mother asks, Clara. Do not make a scenes in front of our guests.
Clara: You are hurting my shoulder, Julian. Please let go of me.
Julian: Then pick up the teapot and act like a proper wife for once.
Clara: No. I am not a servant in this house, and I am pregnant.
Evelyn: Look at how she speaks to us! No upbringing at all!
A few guests whispered behind their hands, turning away to pretend they were looking at the paintings on the wall. Clara pulled away from Julian's grip, her heart pounding wildly against her ribs. She looked at her husband, searching his face for any sign of the kind man she had married in a small courthouse two years ago, but she found only cold anger and social ambition.
Julian: You are ruining my biggest investment pitch of the year, Clara.
Clara: All you care about is your money and your mother's approval!
Julian: Because those things actually matter! What do you bring to this family?
Clara: I brought you my love and trust, but you traded those away months ago.
Evelyn: Love does not pay for estate taxes or maintain legal representation, girl.
Evelyn stepped forward, taking the tray of tea from the table and sliding it roughly toward Clara's chest. The warm porcelain clattered against the silver rim, splashing a few drops of dark liquid onto Clara's light blue dress. Clara gasped, stepping backward, her hand flying to her stomach as her foot caught on the edge of a thick Persian rug near the doorway.
Clara: Stop touching me! Leave me alone!
Evelyn: You insolent little girl! You are a mistake in this family!
Julian: Mother, let me handle her before she breaks something expensive.
Clara: I am leaving! I will take a cab to a hotel tonight!
Julian: You will go nowhere until you apologize to my mother for this display!
Julian grabbed Clara's arm again, spinning her around toward the grand hallway. The guests began to leave the room in quiet discomfort, slipping out toward the patio doors to avoid being dragged into the family fight. Clara pulled back with all her strength, her fingernails catching on Julian's sleeve as she tried to break free from his hard grasp.