Alexander’s eyes fixed on her. “Miss Greene,” he said evenly, “your father’s company was about to sign a major contract with mine. Consider it canceled. I don’t work with people who raise children without decency.”
Gasps filled the air. Madison’s smile vanished, her confidence crumbling.
Alexander didn’t look back at her. He turned to Emily instead. “Are you hurt?”
“I’m fine,” she murmured, though her voice trembled.
He shook his head gently. “You’re not. But you will be.”
He guided her away from the stares, through the whispering crowd, and into the lounge. Someone brought her a towel and tea.
Emily sat quietly, clutching the cup to stop her hands from shaking. “You didn’t have to do that,” she said softly.
“Yes, I did,” he replied. “Because people like her think money gives them the right to humiliate others. It doesn’t. Not in my world.”
The Morning After
By dawn, the entire city had heard what happened. Photos and videos flooded social media — Madison pushing Emily, the crowd laughing, and Alexander stepping in to defend her.
Headlines read: “Millionaire Saves Waitress From Public Humiliation at High-Society Gala.”
Emily didn’t know what to do with the attention. She had never sought it, and it made her uncomfortable. Still, strangers reached out with kind words. At the diner where she worked, customers whispered her name in admiration.
But Emily remained grounded. Her focus stayed on caring for her mother and paying bills, not fame.
She didn’t expect to ever see Alexander Reed again.
