The bright Dallas afternoon sun streamed through the high windows of the Sterling family dining room, illuminating the white marble table and the framed American flag hanging in the background[cite: 1]. But the warm light did nothing to soften the icy coldness in the room[cite: 1].
Margarethe: You think because your father died, you can still sit at my table and act like you belong here, Chloe?
Chloe: Mrs. Sterling, I’m just trying to eat my lunch. I haven't done anything to you.
Julian: Oh, come on, Chloe! Look at yourself! Your family lost everything this week! You're completely broke!
Chloe: My father's estate is still in probate, Julian. That doesn't give you the right to disrespect me.
Margarethe stood up from the head of the table, her dark suit immaculate, her strict face twisted with cruel disgust[cite: 1]. She slowly walked over to where Chloe was sitting[cite: 1].
Margarethe: Disrespect you? My son was engaged to an heiress, Chloe. Now you're just a charity case clinging to our family name.
Chloe: I loved Julian for who he was, not his money!
Margarethe: Words are cheap, girl. Just like you.
Before Chloe could react, Margarethe grabbed the back of Chloe’s head with both hands and forcefully slammed her face down into the large wooden bowl sitting in the center of the table[cite: 1]. Thick, white ranch dressing splashed across the table[cite: 1].
Julian: Bankrupt princess in a salad bowl[cite: 1]!
Julian leaned back in his chair, laughing hysterically as Chloe struggled to pull herself up[cite: 1]. Lettuce leaves clung to her hair, and creamy white dressing covered her eyes, cheeks, and chin[cite: 1]. She wiped her face with a napkin, her hands shaking, her breath coming in fast, heavy gasps[cite: 1].
Chloe: You... you are monsters.
Margarethe: Get out of my house before I have security throw you onto the street with the rest of the trash.
Chloe slowly lifted her head, her eyes glaring with an intense, calm rage[cite: 1]. She didn't cry. She didn't scream[cite: 1]. She just stared straight into Margarethe's cold eyes[cite: 1]. Margarethe froze, her mean smile suddenly fading as she felt an unexpected chill run down her spine[cite: 1]. She had no idea that Chloe had just activated the recording device hidden inside her lapel pin—and the entire board of directors was listening live[cite: 1].