As Eleanor looked admiringly at the restored floral arrangements and the crystal lights hanging above, Victoria broke away from her inner circle of friends and marched straight across the room. Her heels clicked loudly against the oak floor, her hands tightly clenched around her designer purse.
Victoria: Why is that maid talking to the old woman?
Friend: Isn't that Eleanor? She shouldn't even be out here during the main toast.
Victoria: Exactly. She is embarrassing our family in front of the governor and the corporate investors.
Victoria stepped right in front of the motorized wheelchair, blocking Eleanor's view of the orchestra and the display tables.
Victoria: Grandmother, what are you doing out here? You belong in your room with your nurse.
Eleanor: I wanted to see the chandelier illuminated, Victoria. I haven't seen the ballroom decorated like this in five years.
Victoria: Well, you are in the middle of the photograph area. The photographer is trying to take photos of the heirs!
Eleanor: I am part of this family too, Victoria. I built this house.
Victoria: You built nothing! You are just holding back our inheritance with your massive medical bills!
Eleanor: How can you say such heartless words to me?
Victoria: Because it is the truth! Look at you, sitting there blocking the oak floor space. Move out of my way, you old hag!
Eleanor: I am sorry, dear. My wheelchair motor got stuck, and I cannot move the wheel right now.
Victoria: I do not care about your stupid wheelchair! Move right now, or I will make you move!
Across the ballroom, Clara emerged from the side hallway carrying a small tray with a cold glass of ice water. The moment she stepped into the hall, she heard Victoria's harsh voice cutting over the classical music.
Clara: What is she doing to that poor woman?
Sarah: Clara, don't get involved! That is Victoria Vance!
Clara: I don't care who she is, she is terrorizing an elderly lady!
Victoria: You are ruining my photo shoot with your ugly presence! Get out of my sight!
Eleanor: Please, give me just a moment to call an attendant to help me with the brake.
Victoria: I don't have a moment to spare for trash like you!
Victoria's eyes burned with wild fury. She drew back her hand, coiling her arm back in her strapless silver gown, forming a tight fist aimed right at Eleanor's pale cheek.
Clara: Hey! Stop right there!
Clara set her serving tray down on a nearby table with a loud clatter and dashed across the hardwood floor. Before Victoria's hand could strike the old woman, Clara lunged forward and grabbed Victoria's wrist mid-air with a powerful grip.
Victoria: How dare a filthy maid touch my arm!
Clara: I don't care who you are. You are not allowed to hit someone who cannot defend themselves.
Victoria: Do you know who I am? I will have you fired, sued, and thrown in jail by morning!
Clara: You can try, but you will not lay a single finger on this lady while I am standing here.
Victoria: Release me right now, you pathetic servant!
Clara: Not until you step back and calm down.
The laughter and music died instantly across the entire ballroom as dozens of high-society guests turned around to witness the unbelievable scene unfolding near the front display table.