With no room to refuse, Nicole approached.

“Pour me a glass of water first," Doreen commanded impatiently.

Nicole picked up the water pot, poured the water, and carefully offered it to Doreen.

"Please, enjoy it." Nicole maintained her professional demeanor, showing utmost respect to Doreen.

However, Doreen simply covered her mouth with her hand, declining the water without a word.

Nicole stood, holding the glass, as minutes stretched into an eternity and her back started to throb with pain.

Just then, one of Doreen's companions sighed heavily. “Do you even know the rules here? Doesn't everyone know that Kingbel Club offers kneeling services? Hurry up and kneel down!"

It seemed Doreen had whispered something to her friend, who now appeared determined to make Nicole's job difficult in order to appease Doreen's anger.

Nicole responded calmly, “The kneeling service is provided by specially trained staff who wear red tags. I wear a yellow tag, indicating I do not offer that service. You were aware of this when you called for me."

“I don't care about that. I want you to kneel now!" her friend demanded arrogantly.

Nicole's expression remained composed as she firmly replied, “I'm sorry, but I do not provide kneeling service."

"You bitch, really..." Doreen's friend muttered, stepping forward to push Nicole. Unable to tolerate the provocation, Nicole pushed back.

The woman, caught off guard, stumbled and fell back onto the sofa.

“How dare you push me!" she screamed, her voice filled with rage, as she looked ready to attack Nicole.

Nicole braced herself to leave, defending against the woman's aggressive advance. Offending Doreen wasn't an option, but evading the immediate threat was essential. She knew she might face a reprimand from Jemma, but that was preferable to escalating the conflict further.

Before Nicole could sidestep the altercation, Doreen intervened unexpectedly, pulling her friend back.

Nicole was taken aback. Such intervention was uncharacteristic for Doreen. “Don't create a scene," Doreen instructed. “This is my birthday party, and guests are arriving."

Her friend, begrudgingly acknowledging the occasion, nodded. Despite her anger, she couldn't spoil Doreen's celebration. She shot Nicole a menacing look. "Just you wait," she warned.

Nicole chose to ignore the threat. As she was about to tell Doreen she would have someone else serve them, the door swung open again.

A burst of light spilled into the room, accompanied by the distinct sound of leather shoes tapping the floor.