A Scandalous Entrance

Glancing at the exquisite, gold-leafed card in her hand, Valerie registered the embossed time. The grand event began at exactly six o'clock that evening. She checked the clock on her wall; it was already nearing noon. Receiving an exclusive invitation to a high-society gathering mere hours before it started signaled blatant, malicious intent. The sender wanted her caught off guard, rushing in a st