The surrounding crowd grew larger as guests stepped closer to watch the argument unfold. Whispers spread quickly through the ballroom like wildfire among the wealthy attendees. People glanced at Clara's simple silver dress and began making assumptions about her background. Victoria felt a rush of pride seeing everyone pay attention to her harsh dominant authority. She held her head high and placed one hand firmly on her hip, glaring down at Clara. Clara stood completely still, refusing to let her hands shake or her eyes show any fear. She took a slow deep breath to keep her composure in front of the hostile crowd.
Victoria: Why are you still standing here like a deer in headlights?
Clara: Because I have every legal right to be in this building, Victoria.
Victoria: You do not even know my full name or my father's status!
Clara: Names and status do not give you permission to disrespect people.
Victoria: Security is going to drag you across this floor in front of everyone!
Clara reached into her small silver handbag and calmly took out her smartphone. Her movements were smooth, steady, and entirely free of panic or hesitation. She did not raise her voice or show any anger toward Victoria's loud insults. Victoria watched her open her contacts list and tap a name at the top of the screen. She brought the phone up to her ear and stood tall under the bright ballroom lights.
Victoria: What are you doing? Calling your fake boyfriend for help?
Clara: I am making one quick call to clear up this misunderstanding.
Victoria: Nobody in this city can save you from being removed tonight!
The phone rang twice on the speaker side before a deep voice answered the call promptly. Clara kept her eyes locked directly on Victoria's sneering face with steady confidence.
Clara: Dad, could you come downstairs right now?
Voice: Are you alright, Clara? Is something wrong down in the main hall?
Clara: Someone here is insisting that I do not belong in our building.
Voice: I will be down in ten seconds. Stay right where you are.
Clara ended the call and slipped her smartphone back into her clutch bag smoothly. Victoria stared at her for a second before bursting into a fit of sudden hysterical laughter. She threw her head back in complete amusement, making sure the entire room heard her mockery. Her friends joined in, laughing softly behind their manicured hands at Clara's quiet phone call.
Victoria: Dad, could you come downstairs? That was the most pathetic thing ever!
Chloe: Does her dad work in the hotel basement laundry room or something?
Victoria: Probably! He is probably bringing up a mop to clean your shoes!
Clara: You really should think twice before laughing so loudly at strangers.
Victoria: I will laugh as much as I want at a penniless intruder!
The air in the grand hallway suddenly grew thick with tension as conversations died down. Clara simply stood her ground with a subtle, confident, and satisfied smirk appearing on her lips.