My eyes flicked to the table. The expensive bottle of red wine I’d bought for the celebration, the one that cost me thousands, was open. More than half of it was gone.
Ulrich waved his hand dismissively, looking far too comfortable. “Stella, don’t take it to heart. Alexis only said that because she cares about you, like family.”
Then he chuckled, shaking his head. “But let’s be real, she’s got a point. Buying a car? That’s something a man should decide. Did you even talk to Spencer about it first?”
Spencer Sherman—my boyfriend. But the thing was… I bought that car. Just like I paid their salaries. And trust me, I didn’t spend my hard-earned money just to let people walk all over me.
"Enough!" I cut him off, my patience gone. I shot a sharp look at both of them. "I can spend my money however I want. Alexis, you’re the nanny, not my financial advisor, stay in your lane. And Ulrich, you’re the driver, should you really be drinking on the job?
“Oh, and that expensive wine? I bought it. What made you think you could just help yourself? Next time, you’re paying for it."
The room fell silent.
I let my gaze sweep over everyone before continuing, my voice calm but firm. "Today is my mom’s birthday. If anyone here has a problem with that or doesn’t know their place, feel free to leave right now."
I folded my arms. "I’ve always been generous. Your salaries? Your benefits? Top-tier. I’ve made sure you have the best of the best. But that doesn’t give you the right to walk all over me."
Most of the people around us nodded in agreement. Only Alexis and Ulrich stood there, their faces flushed, looking like they wanted to disappear.
I knew I had embarrassed them, but honestly, if I didn’t say something now, they would just keep pushing their luck.
Just then, my mom stepped out of the car, a huge smile on her face. She walked over, slipping her arm around my shoulders.
"Thank you, baby. I love it," she said, squeezing me affectionately. "Come on, let’s go eat. I’m starving."
She walked right past Alexis and Ulrich like they weren’t even there.
Of course, my mom had picked up on what happened. She always did. But she didn’t interfere, she respected my decisions, whether at home or at work.
At dinner, Alexis barely spoke. For once, she just focused on doing her job. No unnecessary opinions, no complaints, just silence. Exactly how it should’ve been from the start.