The sudden noise at the entrance made Evelyn turn her head.
Victoria took a step back toward her mother's side quickly.
Clara stood straight despite the tears running down her face.
She pressed her hand gently against her growing baby bump.
She knew that her father had never let her down before.
For months, Clara had kept her wealthy background a quiet secret.
She wanted Mark to love her for who she really was.
Mark believed her family ran a small cattle ranch in West Texas.
In reality, Richard owned one of the largest logistics empires in America.
He was a man who commanded absolute respect from powerful people.
Evelyn laughed out loud at Clara's phone call with clear contempt.
She told Clara that no country bumpkin could intimidate her family.
She claimed the police would be arriving to take Clara away soon.
Clara did not argue or raise her voice back at Evelyn.
She simply waited as heavy footsteps echoed outside the tall doors.
The heavy oak doors swung open with a loud thud.
A tall man in a sharp black suit stepped inside quickly.
He rushed past the white leather sofa in the bright room.
His expression was furious as his eyes locked onto Clara's face.
He saw the torn shoulder of her light satin dress instantly.
He saw the wet tear tracks glistening on her red cheeks.
The man was not a police officer or a house guard.
He was David, the chief of security for Richard's private firm.
Behind him came three more men dressed in dark tailored suits.
Evelyn backed away slightly as the heavy men surrounded the room.
She asked who gave them permission to enter her private home.
David ignored Evelyn completely and walked straight over to Clara.
He bowed his head slightly with deep respect and concern.
He asked if she was hurt or needed immediate medical care.
Clara shook her head slowly and said she was okay.
David turned around and faced Evelyn with a cold stare.
He informed her that Mr. Richard Sterling was stepping out outside.
Evelyn's face suddenly lost all of its proud color at once.
She recognized the famous name of the billionaire industrialist immediately.
Victoria gasped softly and looked at Clara with wide eyes.
Neither of them could understand why Richard was coming here.
The grand entrance doors opened wider as a silver car pulled up.