The personal contents lay scattered on the white marble floor for everyone to see.
No diamond ring was visible among the keys, lipstick, and simple black leather wallet.
Yet Eleanor did not look embarrassed or apologize for her sudden violent outburst.
Instead, Eleanor stepped closer to Vivian, wearing a cruel and mocking smile.
"You probably hid it in your car outside before walking back in here!" Eleanor accused spitefully.
Vivian stooped down slowly to pick up her fallen belongings with trembling hands.
Her heart pounded wildly against her ribs as the crowd whispered around her.
Julian stepped forward slightly, looking uncomfortable with the public humiliation occurring.
"Eleanor, maybe we should calm down and check the bedroom again," Julian suggested quietly.
"Stay out of this, Julian," Chloe snapped, glaring bitterly at her pregnant half-sister.
"She has always been jealous of what our family built without her," Chloe sneered openly.
Vivian wiped the tears from her face, feeling utterly betrayed by her own blood line.
She had come today in good faith to fix their broken family ties.
Now she realized this entire event was merely a trap to humiliate her publicly.
Her hand reached into the side pocket of her blue dress, feeling her smartphone.
She pulled out the device, her fingers shaking as she bypassed the home screen.
Eleanor let out a sharp, mocking laugh that cut deep into Vivian's heart.
"Calling someone to rescue you, parasite?" Eleanor sneered, folding her arms tightly.
"Nobody in this town is going to help a broke nobody like you," Eleanor added maliciously.
Vivian ignored the harsh words and tapped the top contact on her speed dial.
The phone screen glowed brightly as the call began connecting immediately.
She brought the phone to her ear, taking a deep and steadying breath.