The next afternoon, the estate was bustling with prepare for the formal reading.
Lawyers and family advisors gathered downstairs in the formal dining hall.
David was in the library downstairs reviewing old bank accounts and trust funds.
Maya sat quietly on a plush sofa upstairs near the grand balcony landing.
She was drawing pictures in her sketchbook to pass the time calmly.
Suddenly, Evelyn walked out from the upper master bedroom holding a open box.
Her face looked pale with manufactured shock and dramatic anger.
Evelyn: Where is the diamond centerpiece that was inside this jewelry box?
Maya looked up from her drawing pad in total confusion.
Maya: I don't know, Mrs. Evelyn, I was just drawing here.
Evelyn: You were the only person up on this floor all afternoon!
Evelyn marched over to the small table and grabbed Maya's small backpack.
Maya: Please don't touch my school bag! That's mine!
Evelyn: Silence, you ungrateful little girl!
Evelyn unzipped the small backpack and tipped it over onto the floor.
Books, crayons, and a small glittering jewelry pouch tumbled out everywhere.
Evelyn: Look at this! You took it straight out of my room!
Maya: I didn't take anything! I found that pouch in the drawer yesterday!
Evelyn: You are a thief, just like your father accused me of being!
Evelyn reached down and grabbed Maya's hand firmly by the wrist.
Maya began to cry as the sudden accusation startled her terribly.
Maya: Let me go! Daddy! Help me, Daddy!
Evelyn: He cannot help you now that you have been caught red-handed!
Evelyn pulled the child toward the grand balcony railing near the stairs.
The white marble floor below reflected the bright sunlight from the tall skylight.
Down below in the main foyer, several house staff members looked up alarmed.
Evelyn: Everyone look at what this little girl was trying to steal!
Maya sobbed loudly as she tried to pull her small arm free.
Maya: I didn't steal it! Grandma gave it to me before!
Evelyn: You have no right to anything in this luxury house!
Evelyn forcefully snatched the chain off Maya's neck with a rough motion.
The metallic clasp broke apart, scattering small decorative beads across the floor.
Maya screamed in terror and lost her balance on the smooth floor tile.
She stumbled backward near the wide balcony railing while crying frantically.
Evelyn: You are going to leave this house today for good!
From the lower level, heavy running footsteps echoed across the marble floor.