The sudden silence in the grand hall was thick and heavy.
Victoria sat on the white floor with her sparkling dress spread wide.
Her face turned bright red from sheer embarrassment and shock.
Victoria: How dare you touch me!
Charlotte: You put your hands on me first!
Victoria scrambled to her feet with the help of two friends.
Victoria: Call the police right now!
Before anyone could grab a phone, heavy footsteps echoed from the lobby.
A military officer in a crisp naval uniform walked briskly inside.
He carried himself with clear authority and pride.
In his right hand, he held a sealed golden envelope.
The guests watched silently as he marched past the American flag near the stage.
Victoria smoothed down her dress and adjusted her posture quickly.
Victoria: Officer Vance, thank goodness you are here.
Officer Vance: What is going on in this hall?
Victoria: This young woman attacked me and crashed our charity gala.
Officer Vance looked at Charlotte with a stern expression.
He noticed the fresh mark on Charlotte's cheek from her rough fall.
Charlotte: I did not crash anything, Officer.
Officer Vance: Who brought you to this private event?
Charlotte pointed directly at the golden paper in his hand.
Charlotte: Read the invitation.
Officer Vance looked down at the golden envelope in surprise.
He broke the wax seal with quick precision.
He pulled out the heavy cream card from inside.
His eyes scanned the black calligraphy script written across the top.
His stern face completely softened in an instant.
Officer Vance: Charlotte Vale, our special guest?!
Victoria stepped forward with a panicked look.
Victoria: That must be a mistake on the printing!
Officer Vance: This seal comes directly from the naval base commander.
Charlotte: It is no mistake, Victoria.