Margaret bent down to pick up the scattered roses.
Tears rolled silently down her cheeks.
"I only wanted to welcome you into our family."
Vanessa folded her arms.
"I don't want flowers from someone who embarrasses me."
At that exact moment, Ethan entered the ballroom after finishing photographs outside.
He immediately noticed his mother crying on the floor.
The crushed roses lay scattered across the marble.
Without asking a single question, Ethan hurried toward her.
He gently wrapped his arms around Margaret.
Then he faced Vanessa.
His voice echoed through the ballroom.
"Don't touch her."
"She is my mother."
The guests gasped.
Vanessa looked shocked.
"Ethan..."
"You're misunderstanding."
Margaret quietly whispered,
"Son..."
"Please listen to her."
But Ethan had already seen enough.