The crystal chandeliers cast a brilliant glow across the marble floor of the grand hotel foyer. Olivia adjusted her plain black shirt, her fingers tightening around the heavy ribbon of the velvet box. Her heart raced as she stood near the entrance, trying to ignore the looks from the wealthy guests.
Victoria: That delivery isn't for people like you!
Olivia: Ma'am, I am just carrying out an important delivery.
Victoria: Delivery? You look like you walked in off the street!
Victoria raised her glass of champagne, taking a slow sip while her eyes scanned Olivia with total disgust.
Victoria: KNOW YOUR PLACE AND LEAVE!
Olivia: I was asked to hand this box over directly to the event host.
Victoria: I am the co-chair of this gala, little girl. You hand it to me, or you leave through the service door!
Julian: Victoria, darling, don't waste your breath on the help.
Victoria: I just can't stand seeing someone so cheap standing on these floors.
Victoria tapped her long nails against her glass, smirking at her companion.
Olivia: My clothes don't define who I am or what I carry in this box.
Victoria: They define your tax bracket! Now turn around before I call security!
Olivia held her ground, her jaw set as she stared back at the woman in gold. Across the room, a loud chime echoed through the high ceilings. The private elevator doors slid open, revealing a group of men in dark tailored suits.
At the center stood a distinguished elderly man with silver hair and a navy suit. His sharp eyes scanned the room until they landed right on Olivia.
Arthur: OLIVIA! I'VE BEEN LOOKING EVERYWHERE FOR YOU!
Victoria: Wait... is that Mr. Sterling?
Arthur marched across the marble floor, his security team clearing a path behind him. His face softened with immense warmth as he approached Olivia, but as he turned to Victoria and Julian, his expression contorted into pure rage.
Arthur: HOW DARE YOU TALK TO HER LIKE THAT?!
Victoria: SIR... WE DIDN'T KNOW SHE WAS WITH YOU!
Arthur: PEOPLE LIKE YOU DON'T DESERVE TO BE HERE! YOUR THOUGHTS ARE SO SMALL! PLEASE LEAVE NOW!
Victoria froze, her champagne glass trembling in her hand as the full reality of her mistake began to unfold.