The snickering inside the massive room grew louder as several guests whipped out their smartphones to record the humiliating scene.
Ava stayed on the cold marble floor, her body trembling uncontrollably as cold drops of liquid fell onto her lap.
She felt completely helpless, realizing that Julian had only invited her tonight to make her a total laughingstock.
He stepped closer to Chloe, placing a comfortable arm around her waist while looking down at Ava with utter disdain.
Julian: Get up and leave before security throws you into the street.
Ava: You lied to me about everything... you used me.
Chloe: Save your pathetic sob story for someone who actually cares, little girl.
Suddenly, a loud thunderous bang echoed through the entire banquet hall, cutting off all the cruel laughter instantly.
The massive white double entrance doors burst open against the interior walls, shaking the large glass lights hanging high above.
A towering man in a sharp all-black designer suit marched down the center walkway with deep, burning fury in his eyes.
Two heavy security guards in matching black uniforms followed right behind him, scanning the shocked crowd with intense focus.
Marcus: STOP RIGHT THERE!
His voice echoed off the high ceiling like a thunderclap, freezing every single guest in their exact tracks instantly.
Chloe dropped her glass champagne bottle, her face instantly turning pale as all the color drained from her cheeks.
Chloe: Wait... is that Marcus Sterling?
Julian pulled his arm back from Chloe's waist immediately, his confident demeanor vanishing into pure shock and fear.
Marcus Sterling was the powerful billionaire CEO who owned the entire luxury hotel chain and half the city's real estate.
He walked with absolute purpose, his eyes locked firmly on the soaked girl weeping on the white floor ahead.
The crowd parted like the sea, guests stepping back in terror as Marcus marched straight into the middle of the hall.
He looked at Julian with cold, deadly eyes that made the younger man tremble where he stood in his tuxedo.
Julian: Mr. Sterling... sir... we were just having a minor misunderstanding here.
Marcus: Shut your mouth right now!
Marcus raised his strong arm and delivered a harsh, echoing push that sent Julian stumbling backward against a flower display.
Chloe shrieked in terror, raising her hands to cover her face as Marcus turned his dangerous attention directly toward her.
Chloe: Mr. Sterling, please! She's just a nobody working a low job!
Marcus: You dare touch her in my establishment?
Marcus pointed a firm finger right at Chloe's face, forcing the arrogant heiress to cower backward against the wall.
The room remained dead quiet, nobody daring to make a single sound as the powerful billionaire stood over them.