Elena heard her daughter's terrifying scream from across the wide dining floor.
She sprinted through the crowd of shocked onlookers in her long teal dress.
Her heart pounded against her ribs as she saw Maya crying on the floor.
She dropped down to her knees instantly and wrapped her arms around her child.
Elena: Maya! Are you okay? Where are you hurt?
Maya: My elbow hurts, Mommy, and the big man screamed at me!
Elena gently inspected Maya's elbow and wiped a tiny stray scrape clean with her napkin.
Richard stood tall over the mother and child with his fists clenched tightly.
He sneered down at them while the wealthy guests gasped around the perimeter.
Richard: That's what happens when you raise a thief!
Elena: Do not speak to my daughter like that, you monster!
Richard: She took my million-dollar timepiece right off the display dish!
Maya: Mommy, I didn't take it, I promise I didn't touch it!
Elena: I believe you, sweetie. Mummy knows you are good.
Elena felt a burning rage rising up inside her chest.
Before opening her community gym, Elena had been a state champion martial arts trainer.
She had spent twelve years practicing discipline, balance, and powerful defense strikes.
She stood up from the floor smoothly with blinding speed and quiet confidence.
Richard raised his hand to mock her simple dress and middle-class status.
Richard: Get out of my face before I call security and have you jailed!
Elena: You terrified my innocent child over your own carelessness.
Richard: She stole it, and you are just a trashy parent!
Elena did not hesitate for even a fraction of a single second.
She pivoted on her left heel with incredible speed and perfect form.
Her right leg lashed out in a lightning-fast roundhouse kick through the air.
Her foot landed with a solid, thunderous thud directly in the center of Richard's chest.
The impact knocked the wind clean out of the giant billionaire's lungs.
Richard gasped loudly and collapsed onto his knees like a falling sack of flour.
He clutched his ribcage and gasped for breath on the hard floor surface.
The whole ballroom fell completely silent as hundreds of guests stared in pure disbelief.