The music in the ballroom suddenly faded into a tense and awkward silence.
Guests stopped eating their gourmet dinners and turned toward the back table.
Victoria pointed her long fake fingernail directly at Evelyn's quiet face.
Victoria: You are nothing but a penniless burden on my wealthy daughter!
Evelyn: Money does not give you the right to act so foolishly.
Victoria: How dare an old woman talk back to me like that!
Victoria raised her voice so everyone in the room could hear her clear words.
Victoria: Get out! You do not belong in this luxury place!
The loud shouting echoed off the high ceilings and crystal lighting chandeliers above.
Chloe stepped back and nodded her head in full agreement with her mother.
Chloe: You should have stayed in your tiny old rental apartment today.
Julian: Chloe, that is my mother you are insulting so rudely!
Chloe: Look at her suit, Julian, she is dragging our reputation down!
Victoria stepped forward and shoved the edge of Evelyn's wooden dinner table.
Silverware rattled loudly against the fine white porcelain plates on the table cloth.
Victoria: If you do not walk out, I will call security myself!
Evelyn: Go ahead and call whoever you think will help you.
Victoria gasped in total shock at Evelyn's unwavering and calm tone of voice.
She raised her hand high in the air in a sudden surge of anger.
Victoria made a sudden aggressive move to grab Evelyn's shoulder and push her.
Evelyn stood up with incredible speed and blocked Victoria's arm with firm force.
The sudden defensive block sent Victoria staggering backward off her high heels.
Victoria lost her balance and bumped heavily into an empty service tray behind her.
The metal tray crashed onto the hard marble floor with a deafening bang.
Guests gasped loudly, and several women covered their mouths in complete shock.
Victoria scrambled back up to her feet with her face turning completely red.
Victoria: You laid hands on me in front of all these noble people!
Evelyn: You attempted to lay hands on me first, young lady.
Julian: Victoria, you crossed a major line that cannot be erased easily.
Chloe: Julian, take my mother's side or this marriage is completely over!
Evelyn smoothed down her plain grey jacket with a slow and steady hand.
She looked around at the hushed crowd of wealthy city leaders and executives.
The moment of truth had finally arrived for everyone inside the building.