She Threw a Waitress Into the Pool—Then Discovered Who Owned the Empire

Camille Laurent had spent her entire life believing that some people were born to give orders and others were born to obey them.

Unfortunately for her, she was about to discover that the woman she had just thrown into a swimming pool belonged to the first category.

And the consequences would cost her far more than a little embarrassment.

The music had stopped.

The guests were staring.

And Sophie Morel stood dripping wet beneath the golden lights of the Laurent family estate, holding a folded towel like it was the most ordinary thing in the world.

Camille watched her with a satisfied smile.

At twenty-eight, Camille had never been particularly good at accepting responsibility. She had grown up surrounded by servants, drivers, personal assistants, and people whose job descriptions seemed to revolve around making her life easier.

When something went wrong, someone else was responsible.

When she wanted something, someone else made it happen.

And when someone displeased her, she made sure they regretted it.

Tonight was supposed to be the biggest evening of her father's business career.

Laurent Estates was preparing to merge with Morel Héritage, an international investment group whose financial resources could transform the company into one of the largest luxury property empires in Europe and North America.

The deal was worth nearly $2.4 billion.

For six months, Camille's father, Richard Laurent, had negotiated with the Morel family.

Tonight's celebration was supposed to be the final step before the acquisition agreement was signed.

Camille had been told repeatedly to behave.

She had promised.

She had also ignored every warning.

Sophie had been working the event for almost three hours.

She wore a simple white uniform, black shoes, and a discreet name badge. Her dark hair was tied into a neat bun, and she carried herself with the quiet confidence of someone who had no interest in competing for attention.

She had arrived early, spoken politely to the kitchen staff, and personally checked several arrangements.

Nobody had questioned her identity.

Why would they?

To the guests, she was simply another member of the catering team.

That suited Sophie perfectly.

She had specifically requested to observe the event without being introduced as the daughter of Morel Héritage's founder.

Her father, Alexandre Morel, had initially objected.

"Sophie, you don't need to disguise yourself to understand how a company operates.""

"I know, Dad.""

"Then why insist on working the event?""

"Because everyone behaves differently when they know who is watching.""

Alexandre had sighed.

"You sound exactly like your grandmother.""

Sophie had smiled.

"I'll take that as a compliment.""

Now, standing beside the swimming pool, she understood that her father's concerns had been justified.

Camille approached again.

"Are you planning to stand there all evening?""

Sophie picked up her second shoe.

"No. I'm waiting for someone.""

"Waiting for someone?"" Camille laughed.

"You really don't understand how this works, do you?""

"I understand more than you think.""

Camille leaned closer.

"Listen carefully. My father owns this estate. My family owns the company. Everyone here is important, and you're not.""

Sophie looked at the diamond bracelet on Camille's wrist.

It was an expensive piece, probably worth more than most people earned in a year.

"Does owning expensive things make you important?""

Camille's smile disappeared.

"What did you say?""

"Nothing.""

"No, repeat it.""

Sophie calmly adjusted the towel around her shoulders.

"I said nothing.""

Camille turned toward the surrounding guests.

"Did everyone hear that? The waitress thinks she can insult me.""

Nobody responded.

Daniel Reeves, the associate director standing near the bar, looked increasingly uncomfortable.

He had seen the entire incident.

He had also seen Camille deliberately step toward Sophie and shove her with both hands.

But he knew what happened to employees who contradicted Camille.

Two months earlier, a hotel manager had been dismissed after refusing to let her enter a restricted area during a private event.

Camille had personally called her father.

The manager never returned.

Daniel wasn't prepared to lose his position over a waitress.

At least, that was what he told himself.

An elderly woman approached Sophie.

"Darling, are you all right?""

Sophie turned.

"Yes, thank you.""

Margaret Whitmore placed a hand gently on her arm.

"That was completely unacceptable.""

Camille rolled her eyes.

"Oh, Margaret. Please don't turn this into a moral lecture.""

Margaret looked directly at her.

"You pushed a young woman into a swimming pool.""

"She was disrespectful.""

"She was carrying a tray.""

"She should have moved.""

Margaret shook her head.

"I have known your father for thirty years. I sincerely hope he never hears about this.""

Camille laughed.

"My father has bigger things to worry about.""

"Such as?""

"Building an empire.""

Margaret's expression changed.

"An empire, Camille? Your father built a business. You seem to have mistaken his achievements for your own.""

A few guests lowered their glasses.

Camille's cheeks flushed.

She turned toward Peter Collins, the event manager.

"Peter!""

He hurried over.

"Yes, Miss Laurent?""

"Get this woman out of here.""

Peter looked at Sophie.

"Miss, perhaps we should—"

"She isn't going anywhere," Sophie interrupted.

Camille stared.

"Excuse me?""

"I need to speak with you, Mr. Collins.""

"About what?"" Peter asked.

"The guest arrivals. I need the driveway cleared.""

Peter blinked.

"Why?""

"Because several vehicles are about to arrive.""

Camille burst out laughing.

"Oh, this is wonderful. She's giving orders now.""

Sophie reached into the waterproof pocket of her apron and removed her phone.

"Please clear the entrance.""

Peter looked at Camille.

Camille crossed her arms.

"Peter, don't you dare listen to her.""

Sophie dialed a number.

"Hello, James. It's Sophie. Bring the vehicles around.""

She listened.

"Yes. All of them.""

Another pause.

"And please ask Mr. Bennett to bring the acquisition documents.""

Camille's laughter stopped.

Peter looked confused.

"Who is Mr. Bennett?""

Sophie ended the call.

"You'll meet him shortly.""

Camille stepped closer.

"Who exactly do you think you are?""

Before Sophie could answer, a deep rumble rolled through the estate.

Headlights appeared beyond the stone gates.

One black sedan entered.

Then another.

Two dark SUVs followed, accompanied by a long limousine.

The Laurent family crest reflected in the polished doors as the vehicles approached the terrace.

The guests turned.

Peter's face went pale.

He recognized the silver emblem on the lead sedan.

Morel Héritage.

The limousine stopped.

A chauffeur opened the rear door.

A distinguished man in a charcoal suit stepped out, followed by two security officers carrying leather document cases.

The man surveyed the terrace.

Then his eyes found Sophie.

He walked directly toward her.

"Miss Morel.""

The entire terrace went silent.

Sophie handed the towel to Margaret.

"Good evening, James.""

James Bennett, the chief operating officer of Morel Héritage, lowered his head respectfully.

"Your father is waiting for your decision.""

Camille looked from James to Sophie.

"Morel?""

Sophie finally turned toward her.

"My name is Sophie Morel.""

A champagne glass fell from someone's hand.

It shattered.

Sophie continued.

"My family owns Morel Héritage. And until approximately ten minutes ago, I was prepared to recommend that we approve the acquisition of Laurent Estates.""

Camille's lips parted.

Sophie glanced down at her soaked uniform.

"Now, however, I have some concerns.""

James opened his leather case.

"Would you like the board informed?""

Sophie looked directly at Camille.

"Not yet.""

Then she turned toward the main entrance.

"First, I'd like to speak with Richard Laurent.""