Tiffany stood alone in the center of the grand lobby as the security team began ushering guests back toward the dining rooms. Her glass was empty, her dress was wrinkled, and people were whispering as they pointed their phones at her.
Tiffany: You cannot ban me! I am a high-class woman! I belong in places like this!
Victoria: True class is shown by how you treat those who can do nothing for you. You failed that test the moment you threw champagne on a stranger.
Tiffany: It was an accident! I apologized!
Victoria: You did not apologize. You flexed a stolen ring and threatened to ruin my life with power you did not possess.
Tiffany looked around the room for support, but every single guest turned their back on her. Her rich social circle, who had followed her posts for months, was already deleting her from their contacts.
Victoria: Grab your cheap leather bag, miss, and leave my hotel before security escorts you out the back entrance as well.
Tiffany picked up her designer clutch from the lounge couch, her hands trembling so hard she almost dropped it. She glanced down at the place where the diamond ring had fallen, but a staff member had already placed it in a secure pouch for the police report.
Tiffany: I will sue this hotel! I will tell everyone how horrible you are!
Victoria: Feel free. Our corporate attorneys specialize in slander lawsuits. Have a wonderful evening.
Tiffany turned around and walked briskly toward the heavy glass doors, her high heels clicking loudly against the polished marble floor. Outside, the rain had started falling, soaking her sparkling silver dress as she stepped onto the street without a ride home.
Brandon was sat in the back of the police car, his hands handcuffed behind his back as officers checked his credentials. His fake life had completely collapsed in less than fifteen minutes because of one arrogant decision in the lobby.
Victoria Sterling stood near the entrance, calmly adjusting her simple beige coat as the front desk manager rushed over with a clean towel.
Front Desk Manager: Miss Sterling, we are so deeply sorry for what happened. We had no idea Brandon was pulling these schemes during his shifts.
Victoria: It is fine. Call an emergency board meeting for tomorrow morning at nine. We are auditing every single lobby manager in the region.
Front Desk Manager: Right away, ma'am. Shall I have the valet prepare your personal car?
Victoria: No, thank you. I prefer to walk. It keeps me connected to the real world.