The force of the slap caused Victoria to stagger backward several feet, her hand rushing to cover her burning red cheek under the bright overhead lights. A sharp gasp erupted from the surrounding crowd of wealthy donors, corporate board members, and legal advisors who had stopped their conversations to watch the wild scene unfold. Victoria stared at Sarah with wide, disbelieving eyes, her mouth open in total humiliation and shock.
Victoria: You dare slap me?! Do you know who runs this event?
Sarah: I don't care who you are or who runs this event! Nobody hits a defenseless elderly woman while I am standing here!
Victoria: You are finished! I am calling security and filing a lawsuit against you right this second!
Victoria reached into her purse with shaking hands, pulling out her phone to call the mansion's private security detail to have Sarah arrested immediately. Mrs. Harrison looked up at Sarah with tears in her eyes, reaching out with her weak hand to touch Sarah's side in gratitude for her brave defense. Sarah held the old woman's hand gently, ignoring Victoria's furious threats and remaining completely calm despite the terrifying situation.
Mrs. Harrison: Thank you, child... nobody has ever stood up for me like that before.
Sarah: You don't have to thank me, ma'am. You are safe now, and nobody is going to hurt you.
Victoria: Keep talking! You will both be thrown out on the street the moment the CEO gets down here!
The guests began whispering loudly among themselves, questioning how such an aggressive manager was allowed to direct such a prestigious charity event in the first place. Victoria's face grew redder with every passing second as she realized her high-society reputation was crumbling right in front of the city's most powerful executives. She pointed her finger sharply at Sarah's chest, taking one step forward to scream into her face.
Victoria: I build entire careers in this city, and I will destroy yours before the sun goes down today!
Before Victoria could take another step, a deep, commanding voice boomed out from beside the grand piano, cutting through the murmuring crowd like a razor blade. An authoritative older man in a tailored pinstripe suit stepped into the center of the hall, his eyes burning with intense anger as he fixed a cold glare upon Victoria.