The grand ballroom of the Grand Regent Hotel was filled with bright light.
Giant crystal chandeliers hung from the high painted ceiling above the floor.
Over two hundred wealthy guests walked around in expensive dark tuxedos and silk gowns.
Waiters in white gloves carried silver trays of fresh champagne glasses across the room.
Music played softly from a live string quartet standing near the grand marble stairs.
Chloe stood near a tall stone pillar, holding a small glass of ice water.
She wore a simple silver dress and had soft pink hair tied back neatly.
On her shoulder sat a tiny gold pin shaped like an American flag.
She felt completely out of place among the proud faces around her tonight.
She had only come to deliver an important file for her father's company.
Her father was a quiet man who rarely attended these large public parties.
He preferred working behind the scenes while keeping his real identity very quiet.
Chloe looked around the grand room to find the event manager.
Suddenly, a tall man in a burgundy velvet jacket stepped right into her path.
His name was Julian Vance, the reckless son of a rich real estate tycoon.
Julian: Well, look at what walked into our private party.
Chloe: I am just looking for the manager to drop off a file.
Julian took a slow step closer and blocked her way with a sneer.
Julian: People with hair like that do not belong in a place like this.
A woman in a bright green dress walked over and stood right beside Julian.
Her name was Victoria, and she smiled as she looked Chloe up and down.
Victoria: Did you wander in from the bus stop, little girl?
Chloe: Please step aside, I have important work to finish.
Julian laughed out loud, drawing the attention of nearby guests.
Julian: Her work is very important, everyone!
The surrounding crowd turned around to watch the growing scene.
Victoria: Show us what is in your cheap bag then.
Chloe pulled her purse closer to her chest and took a step back.
Chloe: My father owns the firm that organized your safety permit tonight.
Julian laughed even harder and waved his hands at the crowd.
Julian: Her father is probably a low level security guard!
The guests around them chuckled and leaned in to see the drama unfold.
Chloe kept her posture straight, refusing to let them see her shake.
Chloe: You should really watch your tongue, Mr. Vance.
Julian: Or what? What will a nobody like you do to me?
Victoria took a sip of her red wine and pointed at Chloe's shoes.
Victoria: Those shoes cost less than my appetizer tonight.
Chloe: Money cannot buy good manners or basic respect, Victoria.
Victoria's face turned red as the insult landed right in front of everyone.
Victoria: Julian, make her apologize to us right now!