Jane screamed as the hot coffee scalded her skin, her designer dress now stained and ruined.
Before Jessica could react further, Lorain stood up abruptly and grabbed her own cup of coffee. Without hesitation, she threw the remaining contents directly at Jane's face. The cafe fell into stunned silence as coffee dripped from Jane's perfectly styled hair and makeup.
"You dare!" Jane shrieked, wiping coffee from her eyes, her voice echoing through the now silent cafe.
The patrons began whispering among themselves, their voices carrying clearly in the tense atmosphere:
"Oh my God, did she just throw coffee at Ms. Jones?"
"Is she crazy? Doesn't she know who Jane is?"
"That girl is finished. Ms. Jones has connections everywhere."
"I heard she's engaged to Chris Williams, the Chief Operating Officer at Morrison Corp."
"She's going to destroy that poor girl's life."
Jane's lips curled into a satisfied smirk as she heard the murmurs. She straightened her posture, reveling in the recognition of her power and influence. The fear in people's eyes fed her ego, and she felt a rush of superiority wash over her.
"Are you scared now, Lorain?" Jane asked, her voice dripping with condescension as she pulled out her phone to take photos of her coffee-stained appearance.
"Do you realize what you've just done? You've offended someone with real power, real influence. I have the ability to destroy you completely."
Lorain opened her mouth to speak, but Jane raised her hand dismissively.
"Don't even think about apologizing now. It's too late for that," Jane continued, pacing around their table like a predator circling its prey.
"Do you know who I am? I'm the owner of Fashion Beauty Company. I'm engaged to Chris Williams, one of the most powerful men in this city. I have connections in every industry, every social circle that matters."
She paused dramatically, ensuring everyone in the cafe could hear her words.
"I can make one phone call and have you blacklisted from every job in this city. I can ensure that no respectable establishment will ever hire you again and your beggar friends here. Your little design shop you work with?" She gestured mockingly toward Madam Luis and Jessica.
"I can have it shut down by tomorrow morning."
The whispers grew louder:
"She's not joking. Jane Jones destroyed the Hartwell boutique last month just for not giving her a discount."
"Remember what happened to that restaurant that refused to reserve her favorite table?"
Jane basked in the recognition, her chest swelling with pride. She leaning in and whispered in Lorain's ear
"You see, Lorain? Everyone knows what I'm capable of. Everyone respects my power."
She took some steps back from Lorain, her voice becoming sickeningly sweet. "But you know what? I'm feeling generous today. I'll give you one chance to save yourself and your pathetic friends here."
Jane pointed to her expensive designer shoes, now splattered with coffee stains. "Get down on your knees and lick my shoes clean. Do that, and I might consider forgiving this little incident. Otherwise..."
She shrugged with mock regret. "Well, let's just say you'll regret crossing Jane Jones."
"Lorain, don't you dare!" Jessica stood up abruptly, her face flushed with anger. "You don't have to degrade yourself for this person!"
Madam Luis nodded firmly, placing a protective hand on Lorain's shoulder. "She's right, dear. No one should have to endure such humiliation. We'll figure something else out."
Jane laughed coldly. "Oh, how touching. But you don't understand the situation you're in." She turned her attention to the older woman.
"Madam Luis, is it? Your little shop is barely surviving as it is. One bad review from me, one word to my connections about supporting 'problematic businesses,' and you'll be closing your doors within a week."
She pulled out her phone again, this time opening her contacts. "I have the mayor's wife on speed dial. The head of the business licensing department owes me favors. The president of the Design Guild is practically family."
Jane's voice became more menacing. "I will make sure your shop is blacklisted from every competition, every partnership, every opportunity that comes your way. I'll spread the word that you hire troublemakers and support people who assault respected businesswomen."
The cafe had become completely silent except for Jane's threats. Even the staff had stopped working to listen to the confrontation.
"So, Lorain," Jane said, returning her focus to her former friend, "what's it going to be? A moment of humiliation, or a lifetime of regret?"