Victoria was still chuckling to herself when a loud metallic chime echoed through the wide hallway. The sound cut right through the chatter of the crowd and brought immediate silence to the room. At the end of the long white corridor stood the private executive golden elevator doors. That elevator was strictly reserved for the hotel owner, board members, and high-level government officials. It required a special biometric keycard to operate and almost never moved during public gala events. Everyone in the ballroom turned their heads to look at the glowing floor indicator light above the door. The gold arrow lit up, showing that the elevator had just arrived from the top penthouse suite.
Victoria: Why is the VIP executive elevator opening right now?
Chloe: Nobody is allowed on that floor except the master property owner himself.
Victoria: It is probably just maintenance staff doing a late routine check.
The heavy golden doors slid open with a smooth, quiet hiss that drew every single eye. A tall, distinguished older man stepped out into the bright daylight-filled hallway with commanding presence. He wore a tailored black luxury tuxedo with a silk bow tie and a spotless white pocket square. His hair was silver gray, and his eyes were sharp, cold, and focused with intense authority. Behind him walked four massive bodyguards dressed in sleek dark suits and matching ear pieces. Their heavy footsteps echoed against the pristine white marble floor as they walked in formation.
Guest 1: Is that... Arthur Vance? The global real estate tycoon?
Guest 2: He owns this entire hotel chain and half the buildings downtown!
Victoria: Wait... Mr. Vance is actually here at our party in person?
Victoria immediately changed her posture, sitting up tall and fixing her burgundy gown quickly. She put on a broad, eager smile, preparing to greet the billionaire owner of the hotel. She stepped forward, hoping to introduce herself and her family's small investment company to him. She assumed Mr. Vance was walking down to greet the prominent local business donors in attendance. But Arthur Vance did not look at any of the local politicians or wealthy socialites. His eyes swept across the room with intense anger until they locked directly onto Clara.
Victoria: Good evening, Mr. Vance! My name is Victoria and my family—
Arthur Vance walked straight past Victoria as if she were completely invisible to his eyes. He did not even turn his head or acknowledge her outstretched hand for a single second. Victoria froze in mid-sentence, her arm hanging awkwardly in the air as her smile faltered. The bodyguards stepped smoothly around her, creating a clear wide path for the silver-haired billionaire. Arthur walked directly toward Clara, his sharp eyes softening only when he looked at her face.
Arthur: Clara, my sweet daughter, are you unhurt?
Clara: I am completely fine, Dad. Thank you for coming down so quickly.
Arthur: Who was bothering you in my hotel ballroom?
Victoria dropped her smile completely as a sharp gasp escaped her throat. Her eyes went wide with sudden shock, horror, and complete realization of what she had done.