The morning sun cut through the heavy linen drapes of the grand foyer.
Evelyn sat alone near the bottom of the curved marble staircase.
Her old wooden cane leaned against her trembling knees in the quiet house.
She had lived in this house for over thirty long years.
Her son Julian had bought the estate after building his vast retail empire.
Julian had always taken care of his mother after his father passed away.
He wanted her to live in comfort for the rest of her life.
Two years ago Julian married Victoria, a ambitious model from the city.
Victoria appeared sweet and caring whenever Julian was standing nearby in the room.
She smiled warmly and brought Evelyn cups of warm tea during family dinners.
The moment Julian left for business trips, Victoria changed her sweet behavior completely.
She treated the quiet elderly woman like an unwanted stranger in the house.
Victoria took away Evelyn's private sitting room to build a personal closet.
She ordered the house staff to ignore the poor old woman's daily requests.
Evelyn never complained to Julian because she loved his peace and happiness.
She did not want to cause trouble in her son's young marriage.
Evelyn: I can manage on my own as long as Julian is happy.
Victoria: Stop talking to yourself like a confused child down there.
Victoria walked down the wide marble staircase wearing a sparkling green sequin dress.
Her high heels clicked loudly against the expensive polished stone flooring below her.
Victoria: Why are you sitting in the middle of my entryway today?
Evelyn: My leg is hurting badly and I missed my morning heart medication.
Victoria: The maid is busy ironing my expensive party gowns for tonight.
Evelyn: I can walk to the kitchen if you help me up.
Victoria: I am not touching your dusty hands before my big photo shoot.
Victoria stepped closer and knocked Evelyn's wooden cane across the slick floor.
environmental silence filled the hallway as the cane rattled into the dark corner.
Evelyn gasped in shock and reached outward toward the cold marble floor.
Evelyn: Please do not do this to me in my own son's home.
Victoria: This is my home now and you are just an expensive burden.
Victoria raised her voice and pointed her long fingernail toward the floor.
Victoria: Stay on the ground where you belong, you worthless old parasite!
Evelyn wept silently while trying to steady her shaking body against the wall.
She felt completely helpless without her trusty wooden cane within her reach.
Victoria laughed coldly and adjusted the straps of her glittering green dress.
She had no idea that a dark car was pulling into the driveway.