The morning sun cast bright light across the high marble foyers of the estate.
Victoria stood by the grand staircase, wearing an expensive green satin dress.
She held a cup of black coffee while watching Maya draw at the table.
Victoria: Why are you making such a messy drawing in my dining room?
Maya: I am drawing a picture of my mommy in heaven.
Victoria: You need to stop living in the past, little girl.
Maya: My daddy said I can draw whatever makes me happy.
Victoria: Your daddy is not here right now to protect your silly feelings.
Maya dropped her red crayon and lowered her head in silence.
Victoria walked slowly toward the back terrace where the lawyers were calling.
She picked up her private cellphone to speak with an offshore attorney.
Victoria: Is the new trust structure ready for David to sign tomorrow?
Attorney: Yes, but he must agree to make you the sole trustee.
Victoria: Do not worry, he trusts me completely with his money.
Attorney: What about the daughter's rights under the original estate clause?
Victoria: I will make sure she is sent away to boarding school soon.
She hung up the phone with a cold, calculated smile on her face.
She did not notice that the house maid, Clara, was cleaning nearby.
Clara overheard every word of the phone call and felt deeply concerned.
She had worked for David's family for over fifteen dedicated years.
She knew how much David cherished Maya above all his vast riches.
Clara: Excuse me, ma'am, but Maya needs her morning snack now.
Victoria: Mind your own business, Clara, and keep doing your job.
Clara: I am only looking out for the little girl's well being.
Victoria: If you say another word, I will fire you on the spot.
Clara backed away slowly, knowing she needed proof before speaking to David.
She watched Victoria walk up the grand stairs toward the upper balcony.
Maya followed behind quietly, trying to find her favorite stuffed teddy bear.
The upper balcony sat thirty feet above the polished stone patio floor.
It was surrounded by a high wrought iron railing under the giant American flag.
Victoria noticed the small girl approaching the open glass balcony doors.
A dark and dangerous thought crossed Victoria's mind in that quiet moment.
She stepped closer to the child, blocking her path back inside the hallway.
The breeze blew through the open doors, rustling the heavy green curtains.
Maya looked up with fear growing in her bright blue eyes.