Sarah tried to gather her balance while keeping little Lily safely behind her back. She looked up with tear-filled eyes, her voice trembling softly as she tried to explain what had just happened. She apologized repeatedly, explaining that the heavy glass vase was tumbling straight toward the delicate older woman sitting in the armchair. Victoria did not want to hear a single word of explanation. Her pride was deeply wounded, and she felt humiliated in front of the wealthy elite of Dallas. She stepped closer to Sarah, towering over the young mother on the marble floor. Victoria lifted her hand and slapped Sarah hard across the face, the sound ringing through the quiet hall like a loud gunshot. Sarah gasped, holding her red cheek as tears streamed down her face. Little Lily began to cry hysterically, clinging tightly to her mother's stained apron. Guests in the hallway gasped in quiet horror, but no one stepped forward to stop Victoria. Everyone knew the Vance family owned several major real estate firms and had powerful connections throughout the state. Victoria felt entirely invincible as she leaned down, her face inches away from Sarah's. She began screaming hysterically, her eyes wide with pure anger and contempt. She yelled that Sarah was worthless, incompetent, and dirty, claiming that her entire life's savings would not cover the cost of the damaged red gown. She threatened to call the police and file a lawsuit that would put Sarah behind bars for destruction of property. She also swore she would make sure Sarah never found another job in the entire city of Dallas. Sarah sat there helpless, sobbing silently while holding her daughter tight. The older woman in the armchair, Eleanor, reached out with a trembling hand, trying to speak, but her voice was too weak to be heard over Victoria's loud tirade. Victoria raised her hand again, ready to deliver another harsh strike to the defenseless maid. The crowd held its breath, expecting the young woman to be completely ruined by the end of the night. Victoria smiled wickedly, enjoying the feeling of absolute power and control over someone who could not fight back.