Richard adjusted his dark blue suit jacket as he walked up the wide stone steps of his mother's suburban home.
The afternoon sun reflected brightly off the high glass windows of the massive estate.
His young daughter Lily held onto his thumb tight as they walked through the tall front door.
Richard was returning home after working long hours at his law firm down town.
He hoped this holiday dinner would finally heal the old tension between his family members.
His mother Evelyn stood near the grand dining table in a shimmering silver silk dress.
She always demanded total perfection from everyone who stepped into her house.
Evelyn ran the family inheritance trust with an iron fist for almost twenty years.
She looked down at seven-year-old Lily with cold eyes that lacked any real warmth.
Richard stepped into the kitchen to help his wife Sarah grab the main drinks.
Sarah looked visibly nervous as she set down the silver serving tray on the counter.
She warned Richard that his mother was in a terrible mood all morning.
Richard patted Sarah gently on the shoulder to calm her growing anxiety.
He thought his mother was just stressed about entertaining their wealthy dinner guests.
The living room was full of laughter from uncles, aunts, and wealthy business colleagues.
An American flag hung proudly on the white marble wall behind the head of the table.
Everything appeared peaceful on the outside during this quiet afternoon event.
Suddenly a loud sharp cry came from the formal dining room area.
Richard dropped his glass cup right into the deep kitchen sink with a loud clang.
The sound of frantic crying sent a chill straight down his spine instantly.
He rushed out of the bright kitchen into the crowded dining hall.