The golden chandeliers inside the grand Dallas mansion shone brightly over the crowded ballroom. Mark Montgomery stood near the entrance, holding a glass of sparkling water while he greeted guests who came to celebrate his promotion. He wore a sharp black tuxedo that fit his broad shoulders perfectly. His wife, Clara, stood right beside him in a beautiful light pink silk dress. Clara was six months pregnant, and her soft baby bump showed clearly under the glowing light. She smiled at the guests, but her hand kept resting gently on her stomach. Mark looked at her with total devotion, reaching out to tuck a strand of blonde hair behind her ear whenever she laughed.
Mark had worked hard for years at the family real estate firm. His father, the late Arthur Montgomery, had left behind a massive business empire, a grand mansion, and a family trust fund worth tens of millions of dollars. Since Arthur died two years ago, Mark had been running the entire company with honesty and care. He loved his work, but his real world was Clara and their unborn child. Clara grew up in a small Texas town with very little money, working as a schoolteacher before she met Mark. She never cared about the Montgomery fortune, but her quiet presence always irritated Mark's stepmother, Victoria.
Victoria Montgomery walked through the room like she owned every single person inside it. She wore an expensive dark maroon dress that matched her cold dark eyes. Victoria had married Arthur Montgomery fifteen years ago for his wealth, and ever since his passing, she treated the Dallas mansion as her personal kingdom. She believed that Mark's marriage to a sweet, ordinary girl was a giant mistake that threatened her control over the family trust fund. Throughout the evening, Victoria watched Clara from across the room, her lips pressed into a thin line whenever guests complimented the glowing mother-to-be.
As the evening went on, guests filled the room with laughter, talking about investments, real estate settlements, and upcoming charity galas. Clara felt a little tired from standing so long on her feet. She leaned close to Mark and whispered softly into his ear.
Clara: Mark, my sweet, I think I need to rest upstairs for a few minutes.
Mark: Are you feeling okay, honey? Do you want me to come up with you right now?
Clara: No, stay here with your guests. You worked so hard for this night. I will just get a glass of cold water and sit down upstairs.
Mark: Okay, love. Take your time. I will check on you in twenty minutes.
Clara gave Mark's hand a small squeeze and walked toward the grand foyer. The marble floor sparkled under the big lamps, leading up to the grand double staircase. High on the wall above the landing hung a large framed artwork of the American flag, a prize item Arthur had brought home decades ago. Clara held the heavy wooden railing firmly as she walked up the steps, step by step, resting her hand on her bump to keep her balance.
She did not hear the quiet footsteps behind her. Victoria had quietly slipped away from the party, her heels clicking softly on the marble floor. Victoria followed Clara up the stairs, her mind fixed on the legal papers in her office upstairs. Arthur's original will had stated that if Mark had a child, sixty percent of the main trust fund would go directly into a lockbox account for the baby upon birth. Victoria knew that once Clara gave birth, her own influence over the family trust fund would end forever. Her divorce lawyer had warned her last week that time was running out to change the terms of the estate.
Clara reached the top step near the grand railing and paused to catch her breath. She turned around to look at the party below, and that was when she saw Victoria standing just three steps below her. Victoria's expression was strange and dark, with no smile on her face.
Clara: Oh, Victoria! You scared me a little bit. Is everything okay down there?
Victoria: Everything is fine downstairs, Clara. But up here, we have a small issue that needs to be settled once and for all.
Clara: What do you mean? What kind of issue?
Victoria: This home belonged to Arthur and me long before you walked into Mark's life. You think that child in your belly gives you the right to inherit this entire estate?
Clara: Victoria, I do not care about the money or the estate. Mark and I just want to raise our baby in peace.
Victoria: That is what you say out loud, but I know how women like you operate.
Clara felt a cold knot form in her stomach. She turned around to walk toward the guest bedroom, wanting to avoid a scene during Mark's special night. But as she took a step away, Victoria stepped up to the landing and reached out her arm. Victoria grabbed Clara's shoulder with surprising strength, forcing Clara to turn back toward the edge of the staircase. Clara pulled back in shock, her smooth shoe slipping on the polished edge of the top step.