It All Started With an Affair

The golden light of the setting sun bathed the rooftop garden in warm hues as the event moved toward its peak. A waiter emerged with a fresh tray of champagne flutes, moving with practiced elegance. He was a young man, perhaps in his late twenties, with a clean-shaven face, dark slicked-back hair, and a crisp white shirt tucked neatly into black trousers. The black vest he wore matched his polished shoes, and he carried the tray with steady hands, weaving effortlessly through the mingling guests.

As the waiter approached Bernard Salvador, Bernard took a flute from the tray with deliberate precision. He cleared his throat loudly, gathering the attention of everyone present.

"Ahem," Bernard began, lifting his glass high. "Thank you all for coming to celebrate my beautiful daughter, Imelda, and her future husband. This is a special occasion!"

The crowd murmured in agreement, lifting their glasses in anticipation of a toast.

"Imelda has been working far too hard at Salvador Industries," Bernard continued. "But now, she'll finally fulfill her true purpose: becoming a wife and mother."

Bianca froze, her smile faltering. She glanced at Ken, who was frowning deeply.

"Did he really just say that?" she whispered.

"Unfortunately," Ken muttered back, his voice heavy with frustration.

Lilian leaned closer to her husband, Jason Sr., whispering in dismay. "Jason, honey, I thought you talked to him about this."

"I tried," Jason Sr. replied with a helpless shrug. "But you know Bernard."

Bernard, oblivious to the reactions around him, pressed on. "A woman in a position of power in the business world is like an unstable explosive, especially during… you know… that time of the month. Right, Ken?"

Ken's jaw tightened, but before he could respond, Andrew leaned toward Robert. "Finally, we're getting to the good part," he whispered with a smirk.

"I give it three seconds before Imelda blows up," Robert replied under his breath, barely suppressing a grin.

Right on cue, Imelda set her champagne flute down with a sharp clunk. "I've heard this speech before, Dad. I don't need to hear it again." Her voice was calm, but her eyes flashed with anger.

She turned to leave, but before she could take more than a step, Bianca spoke up. Her voice was steady, though her heart raced. "Actually, Bernard… Men and women have the same brains. Neurologists have been studying this for years, and they've never found real differences."

The air grew heavy with tension as all eyes turned to Bianca.

Bernard frowned, his tone turning sharp. "Then why are women so terrible at math?"

Bianca narrowed her eyes. "First of all, not all women are bad at math. Second, young girls are often told they can't be good at math or science, while boys are encouraged. That makes a difference."

"What does that have to do with Imelda's role at Salvador Industries?" Bernard shot back, his frown deepening.

Bianca stood her ground. "Everything. Imelda's clearly a capable leader. I bet you've already seen improvements in the company under her management."

Jason Sr. stepped in, nodding. "Bianca's right about that. She's been fantastic."

Bernard's face turned red, but he wouldn't back down. "Her abilities aren't the issue. It's about what's right. Women belong at home. That's the natural order."

Lilian gasped. "Bernard, really."

Bianca shook her head, anger bubbling up. "I guess nothing I say will get through to you. You're right about one thing, though. A woman is going home—me."

With that, she placed her empty champagne flute on the waiter's tray and stormed out, her heels clicking sharply on the stone floor.

---

Outside, Bianca leaned against the wall, taking deep breaths to calm herself. The evening air was cool, but it did little to soothe her nerves. She heard hurried footsteps behind her and turned to see Ken approaching.

"Bianca, wait!"

"Ken, I'm sorry," she began, her voice firm. "I know Bernard is your future father-in-law, but… I stand by what I said. Someone had to say it."

Ken nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "I'm not here to argue with you. Honestly, I wish I'd said it myself. Though I have to admit, there's something poetic about him being called out by a woman."

Bianca's lips twitched, but she couldn't quite smile.

Ken sighed. "The Salvadors have been family friends for so long, we've just… gotten used to Bernard's way of thinking. You've reminded me we shouldn't be so complacent."

"I'm glad I could help," Bianca said, her tone wry.

Just then, a taxi pulled up. Bianca started toward it, but Ken reached out, gently touching her arm.

"Bianca, let me take you home," he offered. "It's the least I can do after the evening you've had."

"What about everyone else?" Bianca asked, glancing back at the garden.

"Jason and Mason are with my parents, and they're not letting them go anytime soon. Imelda's heading back to the city with Andrew. Please? I think we could both use a break from all this. Besides… there's something I want to show you."

The taxi driver honked impatiently, making Bianca hesitate. She looked between the cab and Ken, weighing her options.

"You're not getting out of the party that easily, Ken," she said playfully. "Don't forget—Robert just got here."

Ken laughed, his eyes lingering on her. "Caught me."

He opened the cab door for her. "See you at home," he said softly.

Bianca slipped inside, glancing back at him one last time as the taxi pulled away.

---

The Next Morning…

Bianca woke to the sound of clattering dishes and raised voices. The commotion in the kitchen sent a jolt of unease through her. She slipped out of bed, her bare feet quiet on the floor as she crept toward the noise.

She stopped just outside the kitchen, hiding in the shadow of the doorway.

"Come on, Imelda," Ken's voice was calm but strained. "Don't you think you're overreacting?"

Imelda's tone was sharp and furious. "She humiliated my father in front of everyone! Even the staff heard her!"

"She was defending you," Ken said, his frustration evident.

"I don't care. There's a proper way to handle things, and that wasn't it. I want her fired. Immediately."

Bianca's heart dropped. Her breath caught as she backed away silently, her mind racing.

"Fired?" she whispered to herself, her stomach sinking.