Amara stood her ground, her posture firm and her gaze unwavering. “With all due respect, Mr. Whitmore, shoes can be polished, but a tarnished soul takes more than money to cleanse,” she added, her words delivered with a poise that belied the storm inside her.

The comment drew collective murmurs from the crowd, a mix of admiration and disbelief. Charles, never one to back down, especially in the face of perceived insubordination, aimed to regain control. “You think this act of rebellion will get you somewhere? In my world, defiance comes at a cost.”

But Amara wasn’t intimidated. She had faced bigger challenges in her life than a disgruntled man with a swollen ego. “In my world, Mr. Whitmore, dignity isn’t for sale,” she responded, her voice carrying the weight of unyielding conviction.