Sarah unlocked her phone display screen with a fast tap of her index finger.
The phone screen lit up bright in the warm afternoon sunlight streaming through the foyer window.
Chloe: Stop playing games and give us the velvet box right now!
Sarah ignored Chloe entirely as she dialed a private eleven-digit phone number from memory.
The soft digital tones echoed through the quiet space between the high marble walls.
Evelyn: Put that phone away before I have security throw you out into the street!
Sarah held the phone tight against her ear while listening to the slow ringing tone.
Sarah: Pick up, please. They are blocking the front door.
A deep voice answered on the third ring with calm authority.
Samuel: Sarah? Is everything okay over there?
Sarah: Dad, it is time. They are accusing me of stealing inside the main foyer.
Samuel: Stay exactly where you are. They are already on their way.
Sarah lowered her phone slowly and looked straight into Evelyn's cold eyes.
Evelyn: What kind of silly show are you trying to put on for us?
Sarah: You will find out in about thirty seconds, Mrs. Vance.
Chloe: She is obviously bluffing to stall for time so she can hide the ring.
Chloe stepped forward aggressively and tried to snatch Sarah's purse from her shoulder.
Sarah: Step back right now, Chloe!
Sarah shifted her weight back to protect her pregnant belly from any sudden bumps.
Evelyn: Grab her bag, Chloe! Do not let her embarrass us any further!
Heavy running footsteps suddenly echoed from the long hallway behind the grand archway.
A man in a sharp black suit rushed forward into the bright sunlit foyer.
David: What on earth is going on out here with all this yelling?
David stopped in his tracks as he saw Sarah standing surrounded by his family.
Chloe: David, she stole your grandmother's diamond ring from my vanity table!
Sarah: I did not steal anything, David. Tell your mother to back off.