Marcelo had scored his own invitation to this gala, but he was content to spend the beginning of it on Stephanie's arm. It allowed him to get a lay of the land to find people to talk with.

Of his tuxes, he picked his black Milan tuxedo, black pleated pant, white wing tip collared shirt, his pique vest, and a black bow tie. He grabbed a glass of whatever was wet and alcoholic on a tray while Stephanie grabbed her wine.

Then he got to watch the American high society woman's greeting in action. He covered his slight eyebrow raise with a drink of whatever he picked up.

"Brooke, a pleasure to meet you after hearing so much about you from Stephanie."