lifeless to reach

scarlet storm

The arrogant daughter of the Duke "Levendel", named Josephine, decided to throw a tea party for ladies of her age at her family's luxurious mansion.All the daughters of the aristocrats were invited, including Vienna Edingberg,marquis's daughter.
Her father was engaged in trade, which was unacceptable for Josephine and her social circle.

As 'Vienna' entered the estate, elegant and casual, her appearance caused whispers and hushed conversations among the guests.  Josephine, sitting in her chair, grinned, while her ladies of the court began to behave awkwardly, interfering in conversations.

At the beginning of the evening the atmosphere was cheerful and pleasant.  Ladies of high society discussed fashion trends, the latest gossip about relatives and planned their future events.  However, the party soon took an unpleasant turn when Josephine and her friends began to pick on Vienna.

Josephine, with her arrogance, began to make fun of Vienna, hinting at her shortcomings and limitations as the daughter of a marquis.  She began asking Vienna about her life, ignoring her answers or even trying to show her stupidity through a series of tricky questions.

The party hostess's friends picked up on this wave, and soon the entire room was filled with ridicule and criticism.They made fun of her clothes, her expression, her ability to carry on a conversation - everything that could provoke derisive comments.
“Well, Vienna, what are your plans for the spring? I hope they at least somehow correspond to your high position?

"I plan to travel a little and attend events in the capital.

"Oh, forgive us for our amateurism. We forgot that you have to save at every step due to the limited resources of your family.

  “Yes, how do you still manage to remain like this, given your situation? We would have gone bankrupt a long time ago.

  “Or maybe your next trip will be to some roadside favela? To feel completely at ease?

  "Or maybe you're thinking of asking your father for one more tiny drop of his fortune to make you feel complete?

  She tried to defend herself, to explain her actions and plans, but her words were ignored or distorted into mocking responses.And in the end, when they poured wine on her...

  "Here comes Vienna, the merchant's daughter! She probably thinks gold grows on her father's trees!
All the ladies laughed, and Vienna turned red with rage.

But Vienna was a smart girl, and she wasn't going to just bend under Josephine’s blow. When she asked her how her father made his money, Vienna answered with a smile.
"My father can sell you fabrics for your gorgeous dresses, Josephine. But it seems to me that you spent your entire fortune on these exquisite jewelry, which is more suitable for a clown than for a lady!"

“Doesn’t he, by any chance, communicate better with his clients than with his own daughter?”  Josephine said with a grin on her face.

The guests held their breath, waiting to see how the girl would react to this blatant ridicule. They knew that she had long heard of Josephine's slander and was ready to respond.

“My father is very busy with his business and always finds time for me, Josephine. He teaches me the value of work and to be independent. Which, unfortunately, I can't say about your father, Duke Levendel, who revels in his status and wealth,” said  Vienna with a dignity smile.
These words made the bitch grimace with anger. She wasn't ready for such an answer.  Her ladies-in-waiting pretended that they had nothing to comment on, but their grins betrayed their shared interest in the developments.

“You seem to have forgotten who you are, dear. Be careful in choosing your words in future, or you may pay for your impudence,” said the snake, almost hissing with rage.