Chapter 1 - The Ripped Uniform
The crystal chandeliers of Le Ciel cast a cold, brilliant glow over the pristine white tablecloths and the glittering array of silver cutlery. It was the premier dining destination in the city, a place where politicians, corporate titans, and society elites gathered to flaunt their wealth and whisper secrets across imported caviar.
At table twelve, Eleanor Vance presided like a queen upon a throne. Draped in an emerald silk gown that cost more than a small car, she laughed shrilly, regaling her companions with tales of her latest charity gala. Her husband, Harrison Vance, sat beside her, staring blankly into his glass of vintage Bordeaux, looking every bit the exhausted trophy husband trapped in a golden cage.
Emily stood a few feet away, holding a silver serving tray laden with expensive French vintage wine. She was twenty-four, working double shifts at Le Ciel to pay for her younger sister’s tuition while nursing a quiet, aching dream of opening her own bakery one day. Her navy blue uniform dress was neat, starched, and bore a small silver name tag pinned to the left breast: Emily - Server.
As Emily stepped forward to pour a glass for Eleanor’s guest, a sudden, clumsy motion from the gentleman beside Eleanor caused his elbow to jerk backward.
“Watch out!” Eleanor hissed, her temper flaring instantly.
Before Emily could adjust her footing, Eleanor reached out with manicured, claw-like nails and grabbed the sleeve of Emily’s navy dress. With a sharp, vicious tug, the cheap cotton fabric ripped down the shoulder seam, exposing Emily’s shoulder and tearing the garment nearly to her waist.
A sharp gasp echoed from the neighboring tables.
Emily froze, her face burning with searing humiliation as she clutched the torn fabric against her chest. Tears welled in her eyes, but she refused to let them fall.
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Eleanor laughed—a cruel, high-pitched sound that stripped away any remaining pretense of civility. She tossed her head back, her diamond earrings catching the light.
“Oops,” Eleanor mocked, her voice carrying across the entire dining room. “Clumsy help. Now pick up your name tag off the floor and disappear before you ruin my appetite completely.”
