Chapter 2 - The Mother's Fury
Margaret Hawthorne, Daniel's mother and the matriarch of the Hawthorne shipping empire, stepped forward from the crowd.
Her face was chalk white with indignation, her diamond earrings trembling as she looked at Vanessa.
"For three years, Vanessa, you sat at my dining table as a trusted family acquaintance," Margaret said, her voice shaking with controlled rage.
"You drank our wine, you courted Daniel’s favor, and you smiled in our photographs.
And tonight, you assault an innocent young woman under my roof to orchestrate a petty scandal.
"
"Margaret, please, you know my family’s standing," Vanessa pleaded, her voice rising into an anxious register.
"My father is the primary investor in the harbor expansion project.
You cannot treat me like a common criminal over a domestic dispute.
"
"You slapped a woman who earns an honest living in my home," Margaret replied, stepping directly into Vanessa’s personal space.
"You brought public humiliation to my family's charity foundation.
Your father’s investments do not purchase the right to commit assault and perjury on Hawthorne grounds.
"
Daniel approached Emily, unhooking a clean linen handkerchief from his breast pocket and offering it to her.
"Sit down, Emily," Daniel said gently, pulling out a carved mahogany chair near the staircase.
Emily accepted the cloth, pressing the soft fabric against her throbbing cheekbone.
"Thank you, Mr.
Hawthorne.
I didn't touch her jewelry.
I swear I have never taken anything in the six months I've worked here.
"
"I know you haven't," Daniel answered, his expression softening as he looked down at her.
"The footage proves your complete innocence.
Now, I want to know why she singled you out.
"
Across the room, Vanessa pulled her gold smartphone from her clutch, her polished fingernails tapping frantically against the screen.
Before she could complete the call, Daniel reached out and firmly took the device from her hands.
"No calls until the sheriff arrives, Vanessa.
May you like
You will answer for every second of this evening.
"
