The bright daylight washed over the white marble floor of the Grand Plaza Hotel lobby, reflecting off the crystal chandeliers above.
Guests dressed in expensive suits and gowns walked through the main hall, talking in hushed, polite tones.
Victoria stood near the center pillar, wearing a classic camel-colored coat and holding her leather handbag calmly by her side.
A few feet away, a young woman named Chloe turned around in her shimmering white dress, her eyes locking onto Victoria with sudden disdain.
Chloe: YOU SHOULD WATCH WHERE YOU STAND!
Victoria raised an eyebrow, staying perfectly still on the marble floor.
Victoria: I am standing in a public lobby.
Chloe: You are blocking my light for my photoshoot!
Chloe stepped closer, holding up her right hand to flash a massive diamond engagement ring directly in Victoria's face.
Chloe: MY FIANCÉ RUNS THIS HOTEL!
Victoria: Does he?
Chloe: Yes! He is the general manager and top director here! One word from me and security will throw you into the street!
Victoria reached into her handbag and pulled out her smartphone with a smooth, effortless motion.
Victoria: I'M CALLING YOUR FIANCÉ NOW.
Chloe: Go ahead! Call whoever you want! You're nothing compared to us!
Victoria didn't hesitate. She stepped forward with explosive movement, her right hand swinging through the air.
A sharp, heavy slap echoed across the entire marble lobby.
Chloe reeled back, clutching her reddened, stinging cheek in complete shock.
Chloe: HOW DARE YOU!
A man in a sharp blue suit rushed over from the front desk, his face red with sudden anger.
Brandon: What is going on here?!
Chloe: Brandon! She just slapped me! Fire her! Ban her from the property right now!
Brandon stepped forward furiously, turning toward Victoria to yell, but the moment his eyes met hers, his face turned completely pale.
Victoria stared at him with cold, piercing authority.
Without warning, Brandon turned around and raised his own hand, slapping Chloe hard across her opposite cheek.
The force of the strike sent Chloe falling to the marble floor, her glass of champagne shattering beside her.
Chloe: Brandon?! Why did you hit me?!
Victoria stood over her, looking down with absolute coldness.
Victoria: HE WORKS FOR ME! GET OUT!
Chloe lay on the floor in total humiliation, her white dress soaked in champagne, but the real nightmare was only just beginning for her.