The glittering ballroom was filled with the richest family members in the city.
Laura adjusted her crisp grey server uniform before picking up the heavy tray.
She needed this catering job to pay her overdue rent this month.
The air smelled like expensive perfume and roasted prime rib.
Laura kept her eyes down as she served the high society guests.
Suddenly, frantic footsteps echoed loudly across the polished marble floor.
A little boy in a small black tuxedo was running in hysterics.
Tears were streaming down his pale, frightened cheeks as he ran.
He crashed directly into Laura's legs and held on tightly.
Laura dropped her serving tongs as she looked down at the child.
Her heart stopped the second her eyes met his tear-streaked face.
Boy: Mommy! Don't let her take me!
Laura: Toby? Oh my god, Toby!
Laura fell to her knees and wrapped her arms around him.
It had been two long years since she last held him.
The wealthy guests at the table gasped in complete shock.
An older woman in a green silk gown stepped forward angrily.
Stepmother: Unhand that child this instant, you dirty servant!
Laura: He is my son, Victoria!
Stepmother: You gave up your rights when you walked away!
Laura: You stole him from me with fake legal papers!
Victoria snatched Toby by his small arm and pulled him away.
Toby screamed and tried to reach back toward Laura.
Toby: I want my real mommy!
Stepmother: Security! Remove this crazy catering woman immediately!
Two large security guards marched quickly across the room toward Laura.
Laura stood up tall despite her shaking knees and pale face.
She was not the scared young girl they had bullied years ago.
She pulled a folded legal paper from her inner apron pocket.
Laura: Do not touch me!
The entire ballroom went completely silent as Laura raised her voice.
Victoria glared at Laura with cold, hatred-filled eyes.
Stepmother: You have no power in this town, Laura.
Laura: The court appeal was approved this morning, Victoria.
Victoria gasped as her face turned completely white with rage.
Laura looked at her terrified son and made a silent promise.
She was going to get her child back no matter what.