Rachel attended a formal event celebrating her husband Michele DeLuca's company success. Left alone momentarily as Michele greeted employees and clients, Rachel stood in a quiet corner with a glass of champagne in hand.
Growing hungry while waiting, she decided to step forward to grab some dessert. In the process, she accidentally bumped into someone, spilling her drink. To her surprise, the person turned out to be Julian Romano, her husband's business partner, who had never shown much fondness for her.
''Oh, my gosh, I'm so sorry,'' Rachel apologized, reaching for napkins to clean the spilled drink on Julian's blue jacket. However, he pushed her hand away with contempt.
''Don't you think you've done enough?'' he spat.
Trying to explain herself, Rachel muttered, ''I didn't see you coming in my direction.''
Julian's eyes filled with disdain as he insulted her, ''I don't know why I expected much from a whore.''
Stung by the derogatory remark, Rachel's apology caught in her throat. Julian's loud insult drew the attention of the entire room.
A familiar voice cut through the tension behind Julian. When he turned, Michele stood there, his presence commanding attention. Julian continued his offensive comments, insinuating rumors about Rachel's adventurous nature in bed.
Fury etched across Michele's face, he lunged forward, delivering a violent punch to Julian's face. Blood oozed from Julian's nose as he stumbled back. Attempting to retaliate, Julian was restrained by security and promptly escorted out.
''Stop,'' Michele roared, silencing the room. Approaching Julian, he grabbed him by the collar, issuing a warning to everyone present. ''If anyone ever utters such things about my wife, we're going to have problems. And you, Mr. Romano, we're never doing business together again.'' The declaration echoed in the room, marking a clear line drawn by Michele to protect his wife and their marriage from further insults and gossip.
