By three o'clock that afternoon, news of the incident at Hayes Automotive had spread across the Dallas business community like wildfire. Video clips recorded by shoppers in the showroom had racked up millions of views online under the trending hashtag #ArrogantWomanSlapped.
Inside a high-rise law office downtown, Vanessa sat across from a senior civil attorney, dabbing her eyes with a tissue.
Vanessa: Mr. Sterling, you have to help me! That employee assaulted me in front of dozens of people! I have physical emotional trauma!
Mr. Sterling: Miss Vance... or rather, Miss Jenkins, I've reviewed the security footage provided by the dealership's legal team.
Vanessa: Then you saw him slap me across the face!
Mr. Sterling: I also saw you verbally assault a minor, attempt to steal a key fob from his hand, and threaten him with physical removal.
Vanessa: I didn't know he was the owner!
Mr. Sterling: Ignorance of an individual's identity is not a defense for harassment, Miss Jenkins. Furthermore, the Hayes Defense Trust has already filed a restraining order against you on behalf of young Leo Hayes.
Vanessa dropped her tissue onto the polished glass desk, her mouth agape in total shock.
Vanessa: A restraining order against me?! I'm the victim here!
Mr. Sterling: If you attempt to file a civil lawsuit against Hayes Automotive, their legal team will counter-sue you for felony defamation, verbal assault of a minor, and tortious interference with commercial operations.
Vanessa: Can't we just demand a financial settlement out of court?! They have billions of dollars!
Mr. Sterling: They have fifty top-tier litigators on retainer, Miss Jenkins. My retainer fee for taking this case to court would be fifty thousand dollars upfront.
Vanessa: Fifty thousand dollars?! I don't have fifty thousand dollars!
Mr. Sterling: Then I suggest you accept the fact that this case is dead. And I suggest you vacate your apartment before the sheriff's deputies execute Richard Vance's eviction warrant tomorrow morning.
Vanessa grabbed her handbag, her hands trembling as she stood up from the leather chair.
Vanessa: You're useless! All of you lawyers are useless!
Mr. Sterling: Have a nice day, Miss Jenkins. My secretary will send you the bill for this consultation.
Vanessa stormed out of the high-rise law firm, stepping into the crowded elevator as tears of pure frustration and humiliation overflowed down her cheeks.
Her designer dress was wrinkled, her face still felt hot from the morning's slap, and her dreams of marrying into high-society luxury were completely shattered forever.