The bright Dallas sun poured through the high windows of the grand mansion.
Pristine white marble floors reflected the sparkling crystal chandelier hanging above the entryway.
An oversized framed American flag artwork hung neatly against the main white wall.
Victoria stood near the top landing in a heavy golden sequin dress.
She watched her younger sister Chloe walk toward the edge of the stairs.
Chloe wore a long emerald green silk gown that brushed against the steps.
The two sisters had been arguing about their late father's sprawling Texas estate.
Victoria wanted full control of the primary real estate trust fund.
Chloe insisted that the family business split everything equally between both heirs.
A sudden sharp argument broke out right near the marble landing.
Victoria reached out her hand toward her sister during the heated exchange.
Chloe lost her footing near the top step and slipped backward violently.
She tumbled down the hard marble steps with a loud rustling of fabric.
Her body bounced heavily off three separate steps before hitting the bottom floor.
Chloe slid across the polished marble surface and stopped near the doorway.
She lay completely motionless with her dark red hair splayed across the floor.
Victoria screamed out loud while standing at the top of the landing.
Her wide eyes stared down in total shock at Chloe's still body.
A delicate hand weakly clutched the folds of the green satin dress.
Then Chloe's hand dropped completely limply onto the cold white stone surface.
Heavy footsteps echoed from the back hallway as Mark sprinted into view.
Mark was Chloe's husband and the chief financial advisor for the estate.
He dropped directly onto his knees next to Chloe's unconscious body.
He pressed his hand firmly against her chest to feel for a heartbeat.
Mark: Chloe, stay with me!
Panic filled his voice as he looked closely at her pale face.
He checked her pulse while holding her trembling fingers tightly in his.
Victoria backed away from the upper railing with a pale expression.
Mark slowly raised his head and locked eyes with Victoria above.
His face hardened into pure fury as he stood up quickly.
Mark: What did you just do to her?
Victoria: Please, I didn't mean to!
Victoria fell backward onto the carpeted upper floor in deep terror.
Mark pointed his finger upward while shouting across the tall room.
Mark: You pushed her because of the money!
Victoria: She tripped on her dress, I never touched her!
The silence in the mansion felt heavy and dangerous after her declaration.