The morning sun poured through the high glass windows of the grand estate.
Mark loved the quiet light that always filled his family home early in the day.
He walked into the kitchen and poured himself a fresh cup of dark coffee.
His young son Leo sat at the kitchen counter eating breakfast quietly.
Mark smiled as he adjusted the small American flag hanging in the wide hallway.
His mother Evelyn came down the hall wearing her favorite beige suit.
Evelyn was seventy-two years old but still managed the family trust fund with great care.
Mark looked at his mother with deep respect and affection.
"Did you review the estate papers for the foundation yet?" Mark asked kindly.
"I have them right here in my bag, son," Evelyn replied warmly.
Then Mark heard heavy footsteps coming down the main staircase.
His new wife Vanessa appeared at the top of the curved stairs.
Vanessa wore an expensive beige blouse and looked quite stressed.
She had married Mark six months ago after a very fast romance.
Mark thought she was trying her best to fit into their family.
"Good morning, everyone," Vanessa said, though her voice sounded forced and tense.
"Good morning, Vanessa," Evelyn said with a polite nod.
Mark noticed that Leo stayed silent and stared down at his plate.
Leo had been distant ever since Vanessa moved into the large mansion.
"Is something wrong, Leo?" Mark asked, leaning over the granite counter.
"No, Dad," Leo whispered without looking up at his father.
Vanessa quickly stepped toward the center of the large room.
"We need to discuss the new family business budget today, Mark," Vanessa urged.
"My mother and I are going to the lawyer first," Mark explained calmly.
Vanessa narrowed her eyes for a brief second before hiding her anger.
Evelyn picked up her leather folder and walked toward the grand entryway.
The white walls and marble floors gleamed under the bright morning sunshine.
Mark turned back toward the stove to pour another cup of coffee.
Suddenly, a loud crash echoed through the entire lower floor.
Mark dropped his mug, spilling black coffee all over the shiny floor.
He heard the awful sound of someone rolling down the hard marble steps.
"Mother!" Mark yelled as panic gripped his chest instantly.
He sprinted out of the kitchen as fast as his legs could carry him.
Evelyn lay motionless at the very bottom of the curved staircase.
Vanessa was kneeling next to Evelyn on the hard floor.
Mark fell to his knees beside his mother, checking her breathing.
"She slipped!" Vanessa gasped out loud, holding her own hands close.
"What happened here?!" Mark shouted, his heart pounding in his chest.
"She lost her balance on the top step!" Vanessa cried out frantically.
Mark reached for his phone to call for an ambulance immediately.
Then he heard a voice speaking from halfway up the stairs.