The entire restaurant watched them go.
Then, slowly, conversations resumed. But the glances toward Emily's table continued. The whispers. The phones still recording.
"Holy shit," Chai breathed. "Emily, that was...that was incredible. Terrifying in fact.
"Truth," Ming Li said with satisfaction.
Emily's hands were shaking slightly now that it was over. The adrenaline, the confrontation, the years of pain finally acknowledged...all of it overwhelming her.
"I need a minute," Emily said quietly.
"Take all the time you need," Chai said, squeezing her hand supportively. "Emily, you were amazing. Strong. Powerful. Everything she tried to break in you....you're none of those broken things. You're a queen."
"Not yet," Emily said. "But I'm getting there."
Her phone buzzed. A message from Timothy:
