Chapter 2 - The House of Cards

"The engagement is over," Julian said. His voice was completely devoid of emotion.

"What?!" Richard Kensington, Chloe’s father, finally stepped forward, his face flushed an ugly shade of purple. "Now see here, Julian! It was an honest mistake! Your mother came dressed as a tramp! You can't humiliate my daughter like this!"

"Humiliate your daughter?" Julian stepped toward Richard, his jaw clenched tight. "Your daughter just assaulted my mother. She humiliated herself."

Eleanor Kensington, Chloe’s mother, rushed forward, frantically grabbing my arm. "Victoria, please! You must understand the stress Chloe is under. Wedding planning is so difficult! She just snapped! We'll buy you a new outfit, we'll—"

I gently but firmly removed Eleanor's hand from my wet sleeve.

"Do not touch me," I said quietly. The authority in my voice made her stumble backward. "You raised a monster, Eleanor. A monster who believes wealth gives her the right to strip away another human being's dignity. And my son will not marry a monster."

"Julian, please!" Chloe fell to her knees in the mud, ruining her ivory dress, grabbing at Julian's suit pants. "I love you! I'm so sorry! I'll apologize to her on live television! Just don't leave me!"

Julian looked down at her, the illusion completely shattered. "If you only treat people with respect when you know they have money, Chloe, you don't have any respect at all. Get out of my sight."

I looked over at the young teenage waiter—the only person who had offered me help. He was staring at the scene in shock.

"Young man," I called out. He jolted to attention. "What is your name?"

"S-Sam, ma'am," he stammered.

"Sam. You're the only person here with a spine and a heart. Go pack your things. You no longer work for this catering company."

Chloe let out a sob, thinking I was firing him.

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"Because," I continued, "as of Monday, you have a full scholarship to the university of your choice, fully funded by the Vance Foundation. And a paid internship at my corporate office."

The crowd gasped. Sam burst into tears. And I turned my back on the Kensingtons, walking away from the estate without looking back.