Elena considered her.
“You could certainly criticize it. You could choose not to shop here. You could share your experience with others. But you cannot threaten employees or assault them.”
Vivian’s expression hardened.
“Assault? Don’t be absurd.”
Daniel returned from the office, holding a tablet.
“We have the footage,” he said.
Vivian turned toward him.
“Then you’ll see she caused the damage.”
Daniel looked at Elena.
“The recording clearly shows Ms. Ashford pulling the gown and shoving you.”
Vivian’s face tightened.
“That camera angle is misleading.”
“There are three angles,” Daniel replied.
She stared at him.
“Daniel, I have been a client of this company for twelve years.”
“I know.”
“I’ve brought in friends. I’ve hosted events. I’ve spent hundreds of thousands of dollars here.”
“I’m aware.”
“And you’re going to take her side?”
Daniel looked uncomfortable.
Elena spoke before he could answer.
“This isn’t about taking sides. It’s about establishing what happened and protecting the people involved.”
Vivian turned toward her.
“You’re enjoying this.”
“No.”
“Don’t pretend you’re above it. You’ve been waiting for an opportunity to put me in my place.”
Elena’s expression softened slightly.
“I’ve been waiting for an opportunity to build a company where no one has to earn basic respect by being wealthy.”
The words landed quietly.
Vivian stared at her as though she had spoken in a foreign language.
Then she gathered her handbag.
“I’m leaving.”
Daniel stepped aside.
“You’re free to leave. We’ll contact you regarding the gown and the incident review.”
Vivian looked at Elena one last time.
“You’ll hear from my attorney.”
“I expect we’ll hear from them,” Elena replied.
Vivian walked toward the entrance, her heels striking the marble in sharp, angry beats.
At the doorway, she stopped and turned back.
“You have no idea what you’ve gotten yourself into.”
Elena stood beside the tailoring table, her blazer straight and her eyes steady.
“I believe I do.”
Vivian left.
The doors closed behind her.
For several seconds, no one moved.
Then Sophie let out a breath she seemed to have been holding for several minutes.
“Are you really okay?” she asked Elena.
Elena glanced down at her hip.
“It hurts a little.”
Sophie looked horrified.
“I’m so sorry.”
“You didn’t do anything wrong.”
“I should have said something sooner.”
Elena studied her.