Elmer's face went white with fury. "Margaret, I've been far too lenient with you over the years. That's clearly why you've become so brazen—you don't even know the meaning of basic respect."
"My mother is the most important person in my life. I will not tolerate a single word of disrespect toward her—not even from my own wife."
He whipped around and barked at the bodyguard beside him. "Take that old hag's body and throw it in the cesspit."
The bodyguard glanced at me, hesitating. "Mr. Farley, that's... that doesn't seem right."
Elmer's voice cut like a blade. "She won't sign the agreement? She wants to curse my mother? Then I'll show her exactly what happens when someone disrespects her."
"Do as I say. Whatever comes of it, I'll handle it."
The bodyguard didn't dare defy him a second time and left to carry out the order.
The guests began shaking their heads, murmuring among themselves.
"She's touched Elmer Farley's one true nerve."
"Of course—his father died young. Isabella raised those two on her own. Everyone knows she's the person he cares about most. And Margaret stands here at Isabella's welcome banquet and curses her? The woman's unhinged."