“Let’s get one thing clear,” Vanessa began, her eyes meeting Mr. Allen’s with a steely gaze. “This check is legitimate because it comes from my company. Maya completed a challenging internship and earned every cent of that $380.”

Mr. Allen, who had been so sure of his assumptions just moments before, now seemed at a loss for words. His face flushed with embarrassment as he realized the gravity of his mistake. “I—I’m sorry,” he stammered, trying to regain some semblance of professionalism. “There was just a misunderstanding.”

Vanessa was not inclined to let the matter slide so easily. “A misunderstanding?” she repeated, her voice firm. “Or was it a case of jumping to conclusions based on the color of my daughter’s skin and her age? You assumed she couldn’t possibly have earned that money legally.”