The flickering flame danced precariously close to six-year-old Chloe’s skin, throwing harsh orange shadows across the pristine white marble of the Dallas mansion’s master bathroom. Outside, the suburban estate was quiet, but inside the locked suite, terror gripped the small child. Chloe stood petrified against the glass shower door, her small hands trembling in the pockets of her white party dress. Beside her, a framed American flag hung on the wall, reflecting the eerie glow of the hand-held lighter.
Serena: Keep quiet if you know what's good for you.
Chloe: Please, Serena... it hurts! I promise I'll be good!
Serena: You think you can tell your father about my offshore accounts and get away with it?
Chloe: I didn't mean to look at the papers! I was just drawing!
Serena: You ruined everything, you little brat. Now hold still.
Serena tightened her grip on the young girl's slender wrist, her gold satin robe rustling softly against the floor. Her dark hair fell over her shoulders, framing a face devoid of any mercy. She brought the red plastic lighter closer, clicking the wheel until the narrow flame hissed to life. The sharp smell of lighter fluid filled the enclosed space as Chloe let out a muffled whimper.
Chloe: Mommy... Daddy, help me!
Serena: No one can hear you in here. Your father is downstairs signing the final trust fund transfer.
Chloe: Please don't!
Serena: This is what happens when you mess with my inheritance.
Without a shred of hesitation, Serena pressed the hot tip of the flame directly against Chloe’s bare arm. The young child shrieked in unbearable agony, her high-pitched scream echoing wildly off the tiled walls. Searing heat tore through her skin, leaving a raw red mark on her fair arm.
Chloe: AAAAARGH! IT BURNS!
Serena: Shut up! Shut up before someone hears!
Suddenly, the heavy double oak doors with polished gold trim burst open with a deafening slam. The lock shattered, and the doors swung wide against the wall. Standing in the doorway was Mark Sterling, his face pale with horror as he stared at the scene unfolding before him.