Then, Michael faced the crowd, his eyes sweeping over the assembled guests. “We all come from different walks of life,” he said, his voice carrying across the deck. “But treating others with respect and kindness should be universal. Money and status mean nothing if we lose our humanity.”

This statement hung in the air, resonating with a truth that struck deeper than anyone had anticipated. Slowly, people began to clap, a ripple of applause spreading through the crowd, growing louder with each second. The laughter that had followed Clara’s fall had turned into cheers for her dignity’s restoration.

Karen, her bravado deflated, tried to muster a response but found none. Her friends began to edge away, unwilling to be associated with her behavior any longer. The true weight of the situation settled over her, and she realized that her actions had cost her more than just a momentary laugh.