Chapter 2 - "YOU NEED MANNERS MORE"
The hum of conversation inside Le Miroir died completely.
Dozens of wealthy patrons—CEOs, hedge fund managers, socialites—turned their heads. Some smirked into their champagne glasses. Others looked away with mild discomfort, but no one spoke. Money protected cruelty in a room like this.
Evelyn Vance, the older woman standing silently beside the table, shifted her weight slightly. Her eyes narrowed as she stared at Maya’s face. Unlike Victoria, Evelyn wasn't looking at the uniform. She was looking at the young woman's eyes. There was no terror there. No shame. No tears.
Maya did not bend her knees. She didn't flinch.
Slowly, methodically, Maya set her silver serving tray onto the dry edge of the table. She stepped around the table with deliberate grace. Stooping smoothly from the waist—never dropping to her knees—she gathered the scattered bills from the floor and the table.
Victoria smiled triumphantly, resting her chin on her hand. "That's it. Good girl. Know your place."
Maya gathered every single bill until her hands held a neat, crisp stack of green paper.
She walked over to Victoria, set the stack of thirty thousand dollars onto the center of her tray, and pushed the tray forward until it rested inches from Victoria's chest.
Maya looked Victoria directly in the eyes. Her gaze was steady, piercing, and icy cold.
"Keep it," Maya said softly, her voice carrying absolute authority across the silent room. "You need manners more."
Victoria’s smile vanished instantly. Her face flushed a violent red, matching her silk dress. "What did you just say to me?"
"I said keep it," Maya repeated clearly. "Money can buy you diamonds, Ms. Vance. It clearly hasn't bought you self-respect."
Arthur Sterling gasped, almost dropping his fork. "Is this girl insane?"
Victoria slammed her palm onto the table, making the fine china rattle. "Do you have any idea who I am?! I am Victoria Vance! My name is on buildings in this city! Do you know who I am?!"
Maya didn't hesitate for even a fraction of a second. She offered a single, flat word:
May you like
"Unfortunately."
Victoria looked as if she had been slapped across the face. She sputtered, her hands shaking with rage. "Manager! Where is the manager?! GET HIM OVER HERE NOW!"
