elegant bob, her diamond earrings catching the cool afternoon light. Her posture was erect, commanding, and radiated decades of absolute corporate authority.
It was Evelyn Mercer—Maya's mother and the founding managing partner of Mercer & Associates, New York’s most formidable corporate law and forensic accounting firm.
Evelyn didn't hesitate. Her high heels clicked firmly against the sidewalk as she strode directly toward the group. Her eyes were locked onto her daughter's tear-stained face.
"Who did this?" Evelyn demanded, her voice ringing out across the sidewalk like thunder.
Victoria’s jaw dropped in genuine shock, her hand slipping off Julian’s sleeve. "What... who is she?"
Julian’s face drained of all color in an instant. His confident, arrogant posture withered as Evelyn brushed past him, placing a gentle, protective hand on Maya's shoulder.
"Mother..." Maya sobbed, leaning into her mother’s touch as relief finally broke through her panic.
Evelyn reached out with her free hand, her fingers gently touching Maya's chin, lifting her daughter's face to inspect the tear tracks and the sheer distress caused by the confrontation.