The noise from the hallway brought several high-level executives out from the main ballroom, including Marcus Sterling, Victoria's arrogant father. Marcus was the chief financial officer of the Valle regional branch, a man who had secretly been trying to maneuver his way into buying out controlling shares of the company for years. He hurried over to his daughter, his eyes widening in pure rage when he saw her lying on the hardwood floor with her hair messed up and her gold gown wrinkled. He helped Victoria sit up, then turned his glare directly toward Charlotte, who was calmly smoothing down the front of her beige sweater.
Marcus: Who let this common delinquent into the main estate building?
Victoria: Dad, she attacked me! She kicked me right in the chest!
Marcus: Guard! Arrest this woman immediately for physical assault and unlawful trespassing!
The lead security officer, a tall uniformed American guard named Officer Davis, stepped forward with his hand resting on his radio holster. He looked between Marcus, Victoria, and Charlotte with a solemn, stern expression.
Guard: Ma'am, you need to state your name and provide legal authorization to be on these grounds.
Charlotte: I have complete authorization, Officer. Check my invitation before judging me.
Charlotte reached deep into the side pocket of her frayed sweater and pulled out a heavy, thick envelope made of cream cardstock. She handed it directly to Officer Davis. The card featured double-embossed pure gold lettering along the top border, sealed with the official red wax emblem of the Valle family crest. Officer Davis carefully flipped open the gold edge of the card to read the formal title printed in elegant black calligraphy.
Guard: She is the host's most honored special guest!
The words sounded like a thunderclap inside the crowded foyer. Victoria's jaw dropped open as she lay on the floor gasping in horror and sudden regret. Marcus froze where he stood, his face turning pale white as he recognized the gold seal that only the primary owner of the company was allowed to use.
Marcus: That... that must be a high-quality fake! She could never have that card!
Charlotte: It is not a fake, Marcus. Check the signature on the back.
Officer Davis turned the card over and read the private serial number along with the clear, sharp signature of Arthur Valle himself. The room fell into total silence as everyone realized they were looking at someone who possessed highest-level clearance.