Charlotte stood outside the massive iron gates of the grand estate while holding a crumpled piece of paper.
She checked the address on the luxury gold envelope one more time under the bright afternoon light.
The afternoon sun was warming her face as she looked at the marble fountain near the front entrance.
She wore a worn beige sweater and frayed blue jeans that looked entirely out of place.
Valets in neat dark suits were parking sleek black luxury cars all along the long brick driveway.
Guests in elegant silk gowns and tailored tuxedos walked up the stone steps with bright smiles.
Charlotte took a deep breath to steady her rapid heartbeat before walking toward the front doors.
She had spent her whole life working double shifts at a local diner in her quiet hometown.
Her adoptive mother had passed away three months ago after a long battle with a heavy illness.
On her final morning, her mother gave her an old envelope with an official family seal attached.
That golden envelope contained an invitation to the annual charity gala of the wealthy Valle family estate.
Charlotte did not care about the money or the glitz of high society events in the big city.
She only wanted answers about her biological parents after years of wondering who she really was.
A uniformed guard standing at the heavy glass door frowned as Charlotte approached the front entryway.
Guard: Deliveries are supposed to go around to the back service door, miss.
Charlotte: I am not here to make a delivery today.
Guard: This is a private party for invited family members and major corporate donors only.
Charlotte: I have an invitation right here in my canvas tote bag.
She reached into her bag and pulled out the golden envelope to show the stern guard.
The guard looked at the heavy paper seal and slowly stepped aside to let her walk inside.
Charlotte stepped into the grand hall where giant crystal chandeliers hung high above marble floors.
Classical violin music echoed softly off the tall golden walls lined with old family portraits.
Dozens of wealthy guests stood around talking while holding clear glass cups of vintage pink champagne.
Charlotte felt every pair of eyes lock onto her simple outfit as she crossed the center room.
Whispers spread across the carpeted floor as people wondered why a poor girl was in the mansion.
She ignored the judgment and kept her head held high as she searched for the host.
She needed to find Arthur Valle before the main dinner event began in the formal dining room.
Her hand tightened around her tote bag strap as she took another steady step across the floor.