16. Expelled

"You go in first; I'll catch up." Jared said after they arrived at the hotel where the party would be held. The man walked off into the middle of nowhere, with Thalius and Donny trailing behind.

Caroline looked so awkward stepping alone into the party venue. She rubbed the back of her neck, looking left and right. There were many invited guests in super-luxurious and expensive clothes. She didn't recognize any of them.

"Show me your invitation card." One of the guards stopped Caroline when she was about to step inside.

"I have to use an invitation card?" Caroline looked confused, as she had not received an invitation. She wouldn't have come if Jared hadn't asked.

"Only people with invitation cards can enter." The man said it firmly. Doing his job as ordered.

"But Mr. Madison invited me here." Caroline tried to explain.

"We're just following protocol. We couldn't let you in without a letter of invitation."

Caroline looked even more confused. She bit her lower lip to reduce her nervousn