Pretense

As Lucas approached the two ladies, observing their struggles. He had been eavesdropping on their discourse and felt compelled to intervene upon witnessing Elora's hand poised to strike Charlotte, an action that ignited his fury.

The ladies' countenances displayed shock as he approached from a distance.

Elora hastily withdrew her hand and released Charlotte, trembling with fear.

"Ms. Elora, did I not explicitly caution you? This is a place of business and should be treated as such," Lucas declared, hands in his pockets.

"I...I apologize, sir, it won't happen again" Elora stuttered, avoiding his gaze and trembling in fear.

"Apologize? You were about to strike Ms. Thompson, correct?" Lucas pressed.

"I'm sorry, sir, she provoked me...she disrespected me," Elora choked out.

Lucas' gaze shifted to Charlotte, who stood with her eyes fixed on the ground, before returning to Elora.

"Does that give you the prerogative to assault a colleague?" Lucas reprimanded.

"No...no, sir," Elora stammered.