The sharp sound of breaking metal echoed across the silent ballroom.
Every guest stopped talking as the silver piece bounced high into the air.
It spun across the white marble floor like a tossed coin.
It finally came to a complete rest right near the center carpet.
Clara gasped in deep terror and pulled her baby closer to her chest.
The silver locket was the only thing she owned from her late father.
Evelyn glared down at the small silver trinket on the shiny floor.
She pointed a long manicured finger directly at Clara's pale face.
Evelyn: You will never belong here among decent high society people!
Clara: That was my father's locket, please let me pick it up!
Evelyn: Look at this pathetic trash brought into my spotless house!
Evelyn raised her heavy leather heel as if to stomp upon the silver pendant.
Evelyn: Even her precious jewelry came straight from the city trash!
The crowd gasped at the cold cruelty displayed by the wealthy hostess.
Clara fell down to her knees to shield her precious baby from the anger.
Tears spilled over her eyelashes and ran down her pale cheeks.
Before Evelyn could crush the metal, a firm black boot stepped into view.
The polished military shoe landed right beside the fallen silver eagle.
A strong hand reached down and picked up the locket gently.
The room went completely silent as the heavy footsteps echoed near.
A tall man in a dark blue dress uniform stepped into the bright light.
Gold medals rested in neat rows across his military jacket chest.
He held the small silver locket up into the glowing light of the hall.
His stern face transformed into utter shock as he studied the metal eagle.
General Vance: Stop talking right now, Evelyn!
Evelyn froze in her tracks and stared at the uniformed senior officer.
Evelyn: Thomas, please do not bother with this crazy young girl.
General Thomas Vance did not look at his wealthy sister Evelyn at all.
His sharp eyes remained fixed on the intricate silver carving in his hand.
General Vance: Where did you get this custom locket, young woman?
Clara wiped her eyes on her wool sleeve and looked up timidly.
Clara: It belonged to my biological father, sir.
General Vance: What was his full name and military unit?
Clara: He was Colonel Jack Sterling, sir, of the Army Airborne.
The General gasped loudly as if he had been struck in the chest.
His hand began to tremble slightly as he held the silver piece.
He looked from the metal eagle down to the small baby girl in white.
General Vance: Jack Sterling was my closest brother in arms during the war.
Evelyn's face turned completely white like a fresh sheet of paper.
Evelyn: Thomas, you must be mistaken, she is just a lying scammer!
General Vance: Be quiet, Evelyn, I carved this eagle crest myself!