The entire outdoor market fell into a dead, suffocating silence. Vikram’s arrogant expression instantly vanished, his face draining of all color as the title "Madam President" echoed through his head. The realization hit him like a physical blow: the woman he had just insulted, slapped, and shoved onto the dirt was not a helpless target, but the leader of the country traveling incognito through the city.
Vikram took a terrified step back, his hands shaking uncontrollably as the security team turned their intense, lethal gazes toward him. He tried to stammer out a frantic apology, claiming it was a total misunderstanding, but the lead security agent stepped into his path with absolute authority. Elena stood up slowly with the support of her team, adjusting her tan coat with calm, unyielding dignity, leaving the terrified vendor to face the full legal consequences of his violent actions.