Chapter 3 - The Matriarch's Venom
Before Arthur could step forward, the heavy rustle of heavily beaded fabric announced a far more dangerous presence.
An older woman parted the crowd, her steps firm and imperious. She was draped in a floor-length silver sequin gown that gleamed like armor under the warm yellow lights of the chandeliers. Dripping in heavy diamond necklaces and oversized chandelier earrings that caught every ray of light, her face was a carved mask of cold arrogance and fury.
She didn't glance down at the sobbing girl. She didn't check to see if anyone was hurt. Instead, her bloodshot eyes locked onto Arthur, burning with absolute disdain.
"How dare you ruin my celebration!" the matriarch shrieked, lifting a hand decorated with massive ruby rings and pointing her long, manicured finger straight into Arthur's face.
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Her screech echoed off the gilded walls, sharp enough to shatter glass. The surrounding guests shifted nervously, recognizing the unbridled rage of the estate’s owner.
"Get this trash out of my sight!" she screamed at the security guards lining the perimeter of the room, her voice shaking with venom. "You bring your sniveling brat into my house and dare to raise your voice to my family? Guards! Throw him out into the rain!"
