She shrieked and stood up so fast her chair screeched against the hardwood.

“You clumsy, stupid girl!” she screamed.

“I am sorry, ma’am,” I said, immediately reaching into my pocket for a linen cloth. “Let me help.”

“Get away from me!” she yelled, slapping my hand away.

She looked down at her stained sleeve, her face twisting with rage.

Julian remained seated, his eyes fixed on her.

“It was an accident, Vanessa,” Julian said, his tone dangerously calm.

“An accident?” she gasped. “She did it on purpose! Look at her, Julian. She thinks she belongs here.”

She stepped closer to me, her breathing heavy and ragged.

“She is nothing but a charity case you took in from the streets,” Vanessa sneered, looking around the table at the guests. “A pathetic little widow with a mute brat.”

My blood ran cold at the mention of Emma.

“Do not speak about my daughter,” I said, my voice barely a whisper, but clear enough for everyone to hear.

The silence in the room became absolute.

Vanessa’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“What did you say to me?” she whispered.