In the main ballroom, over two hundred wealthy guests in tuxedos and silk evening dresses were gathering around the bar. A quiet hum of classical music played over the surround sound speakers while waiters passed around silver trays of expensive champagne. Suddenly, a deep mechanical whirring sound echoed overhead as a giant motorized projection screen began descending from the high ceiling. It lowered directly over the giant framed American flag artwork on the main accent wall.
Guest One: Is the video presentation starting earlier than planned tonight?
Guest Two: I thought Victoria was speaking after the auction ends.
Guest Three: Look up at the screen, that does not look like a slideshow.
Guest Four: Isn't that the entrance hall on the display live right now?
The high-society guests turned their heads away from the bar and looked up at the massive high-definition projector screen. The image showed a crystal-clear angle from the security camera mounted above the entrance hall archway. Everyone watched in utter silence as the live footage displayed Victoria in her sparkling gold dress standing inches away from Clara in her bright red dress. The audio system chimed loudly as the live microphone feed cut into the house speakers.
Victoria on Video: NOT TODAY!
The entire ballroom heard the loud, violent slap echo through the house as the video showed Victoria striking Clara hard across the face. The shockwave through the crowd was instant, causing wealthy women to gasp loudly and cover their mouths with gloved hands. Prominent business owners and local politicians exchanged horrified glances, staring at the screen in complete disbelief as the footage replayed in a slow-motion loop.
Guest One: Did she just hit that poor young girl in cold blood?
Guest Two: That is Clara, her late husband's daughter from his first marriage!
Guest Three: I cannot believe Victoria would assault someone like that in public!
Guest Four: This is an absolute disgrace, someone needs to step in right now.
Victoria stood in the entrance hall, completely unaware that her violent act was currently broadcasting on a twenty-foot screen in front of all her donors. She smiled superiorly, thinking she had successfully intimidated Clara into leaving the property forever. She stepped back and adjusted her gold sleeves, preparing to walk back into the ballroom to receive her annual community leadership award from the city mayor.
Victoria: Now pick up your little purse and leave before I call the police on you.
Clara: Oh, you won't need to call them, Victoria.
Victoria: What is that supposed to mean, Clara?
Clara: Turn around and take a look inside your ballroom.