Vanessa looked around desperately.

The same people who had laughed at her jokes minutes earlier suddenly became fascinated by their champagne glasses.

Nobody defended her.

She realized the truth too late.

She hadn't been powerful.

She had simply been surrounded by people who wanted access to powerful people.

"You're ruining me!" she screamed.

Julian's expression remained cold.

"No."

He paused.

"You did that yourself."

Vanessa was escorted toward the doors.

Before leaving, she looked at Clara.

"This isn't over."

Clara said nothing.

But Julian heard the threat.

His eyes followed Vanessa until the doors closed behind her.

Then he turned toward Clara.

"You should go home."

Clara frowned.

"Am I fired?"

Julian's expression softened slightly.

"No."

"Then why?"

"Because tonight you learned something dangerous."

"What?"

"People who lose power rarely accept losing quietly."

Clara looked toward the doors.

For the first time, fear replaced her anger.