Emily Tried to Walk Away

She didn’t want a scene.

Not tonight.

She had been specifically warned that this engagement party mattered.

Important clients.

Longtime partners.

Several families who had known each other for decades.

Emily took one small step sideways.

“I’m going back to work.”

Victoria stopped her again.

“I haven’t finished speaking.”

Emily looked directly at her.

“With respect, ma’am, I have.”

That was when Victoria’s expression changed.

She wasn’t used to being answered like that.

“Excuse me?”

Emily remained calm.

“Your son asked me a question. I answered it.”

Victoria replied:

“And I’m telling you to stay away from him.”

Emily almost laughed from disbelief.

“He’s getting married tonight.”

“Exactly.”

“And I’m carrying champagne.”

Victoria’s eyes narrowed.

“You think you’re being clever?”

“No.”

Emily lifted the tray slightly.

“I think I’m working.”

More People Started Watching

Nathan’s fiancée Madison noticed first.

She looked across the ballroom.

“What’s going on?”

Nathan turned.

He saw his mother standing in front of Emily.

“Oh no.”

Madison looked at him.

“What?”

Nathan sighed.

“My mother.”

They started walking toward them.

But they were still halfway across the room when Victoria said something loud enough for everyone nearby to hear.

“You should remember why you’re here.”

Emily stared at her.

Victoria gestured toward Emily’s uniform.

“You’re staff.”

Emily answered quietly:

“I know what my job is.”

Victoria stepped closer.

“Then remember your place.”

The nearby conversations stopped.

Emily looked at her for several seconds.

Then she said:

“I think you should let me get back to work.”