David looked out at the massive lawn surrounding his family's grand estate.
He had returned to the mansion to discuss his late father's final will.
His five-year-old son Leo held his hand tightly near the large front entrance.
Leo wore a light pink shirt and looked nervously at the big house.
David wanted to make sure his son felt safe during this tense visit.
His mother Evelyn stood at the top of the grand marble staircase inside.
She had never accepted David's choice to marry outside of her social circle.
Now that David was a widower, her cold attitude had only gotten worse.
Evelyn cared deeply about the family trust fund and the vast estate fortune.
She believed Leo did not deserve to inherit any part of the money.
David stepped into the foyer and looked his mother directly in the eye.
David: We are only here to sign the final legal papers, mother.
Evelyn: That boy does not deserve a single dime of this family inheritance.
David: He is my son and your grandson, whether you like it or not.
Evelyn sneered and turned her back to walk toward the second-floor balcony.
David set his leather briefcase down on the polished marble floor nearby.
He needed to speak with the estate attorney who was waiting in the study.
David asked Leo to sit quietly on the soft sofa near the stairs.
Leo nodded obediently and held his favorite toy car in his small hands.
David walked down the hallway to find the divorce lawyer and financial advisor.
The mansion was quiet except for the sound of David's heavy dress shoes.
He knew his mother was capable of harsh words and bitter corporate threats.
He did not realize how far her hatred had grown over the years.
Leo wandered away from the sofa to look at the bright sunlight outside.
He walked up the stairs toward the high upper balcony overlooking the courtyard.
A giant American flag hung draped along the tall white mansion wall.
Leo liked watching the bright red and blue fabric flap softly in the breeze.
Evelyn stepped out onto the balcony and saw the little boy standing there.
Her eyes narrowed as she realized they were completely alone on the terrace.
She felt a sudden surge of bitter rage in her chest.
She stepped closer to the child with a harsh look on her face.
Leo turned around and saw his grandmother towering over him in the light.
Leo: Hi Grandma, look at the big flag!
Evelyn: Do not call me that, you little outsider.
Leo took a step back until his back touched the decorative iron railing.
The height from the second-floor balcony to the ground floor was significant.
Evelyn raised her hands with a look of pure cold malice.