The sun shone brightly through the massive stained glass windows of the grand estate high up on the hill.
Every corner of the giant white marble ballroom was decorated with expensive red roses and shining crystal vases.
Billionaire businessman David Sterling was host to the biggest charity gala of the entire summer season in the city.
Hundreds of wealthy guests gathered near the catering tables to talk about business contracts and private jet travel plans.
David stood near the main entrance while greeting important community leaders with a warm smile and a polite handshake.
He was a hardworking father who cared deeply about his family and his growing clean energy company.
However, his heart was still recovering from the tragic loss of his first wife three years ago.
He had recently married Victoria, a glamorous socialite who loved luxury clothes and high society attention very much.
Victoria walked across the polished marble floor while wearing an expensive sparkling red gown that caught everyone's eye.
She held a glass of chilled champagne while speaking with prominent city officials near the grand staircase railing.
Her smile seemed perfect to the outside world, but her eyes held a cold and calculating glint inside.
Behind that fancy red dress was a woman who wanted full control over the family trust fund money.
She viewed eight-year-old Maya as an annoying obstacle standing directly between her and complete legal inheritance power.
Maya was a gentle young girl with soft brown eyes and a heart full of pure artistic imagination.
She had recently injured her left leg during a gym practice session at her private elementary school.
Her left leg was wrapped in a bright white plaster cast that made walking very difficult for her.
She used small custom crutches to move around the large house while keeping her balance steady today.
While the party continued below, Maya stayed near the top landing of the grand white marble staircase.
She held a tiny golden locket that belonged to her late biological mother close to her chest.
The locket contained a tiny photo of her mother smiling warmly on a sunny beach vacation trip.
Maya felt very uncomfortable with all the loud noise and unfamiliar guests filling the mansion living room.
She wished her father was not so busy hosting the corporate donors and city council members below.
Victoria noticed the young girl standing near the heavy velvet curtains beside the upper floor railing balcony.
Her fake smile disappeared immediately as soon as David turned his back to greet another arriving guest.
She set her champagne glass down on a nearby side table with a sudden sharp metallic clicking sound.
She smoothed down her red dress and began walking steadily up the wide marble stairs toward Maya.
Her high heels made a slow rhythmic sound against the hard white marble steps with every step.
Maya looked up and felt a sudden chill run down her spine as Victoria walked closer to her.
She tried to step back toward the hallway door, but her cast made quick movement almost impossible.
Victoria leaned over the small girl with a shadow crossing over her tight and furious face.