The heavy wooden front doors of the grand ballroom suddenly burst open.
The loud sound echoed off the high walls like a thunderclap.
A team of tactical officers in dark gear flooded into the room fast.
They moved with perfect discipline, pointing flashlights across the crowd.
Officer: Everybody stay down! Hands on your heads right now!
Screams broke out as wealthy guests dropped their glasses and hit the floor.
Men in tuxedos lay flat on the marble, terrified of what was happening.
Victoria dropped to her knees, crying hysterical tears onto her ruined gown.
Victoria: Please do not harm me! I did not do anything wrong!
Julian stumbled back and fell flat onto his back near the table.
He looked like a helpless child cowering on the hard floor.
The lead tactical officer marched straight past the panicked crowd.
He stopped directly in front of Chloe and raised his right hand in respect.
Officer: Ma'am, Commander Vance sent us to secure your location.
Chloe: Thank you, Captain. I am completely safe now.
The officer turned his attention to Julian cowering on the floor.
Officer: Julian Vance, you are under arrest for public harassment and fraud.
Julian: You cannot arrest me! My family owns this hotel!
Officer: Not anymore, sir. The city seized this property ten minutes ago.
Two officers grabbed Julian by his arms and pulled him up fast.
Julian struggled, but he was no match for the strong officers.
He looked at Chloe with eyes full of deep regret and fear.
Julian: Please, tell them to stop! I was just joking!
Chloe: Ruining someone's dignity is never a simple joke, Julian.
Victoria covered her face with both hands, sobbing uncontrollably on the ground.
Her high status and wealthy friends watched her in total embarrassment.
Nobody stepped forward to help Julian or Victoria as they were led away.
The very people who cheered for them earlier now turned their backs.