Elena gently picked up the place card.
"It has my name on it."
The woman barely looked at it.
"Cards get printed wrong all the time."
Before Elena could respond, the woman snatched the card from her hand.
Without hesitation, she dropped it into a nearby martini glass.
Blue ink immediately spread through the clear liquid until Elena's name disappeared completely.
The surrounding guests gasped.
Embarrassed, Elena quietly stepped back.
"I don't want to cause any trouble."
The woman smiled confidently.
"I'm glad you understand."
At that moment, the ballroom lights dimmed.
The master of ceremonies welcomed everyone to the stage.
Then the hotel's owner, Richard Bennett, walked to the microphone.
He smiled warmly.
"Tonight is unlike any gala we've ever hosted."
A massive screen behind him lit up.
A single portrait filled the room.
It was Elena.