Marcus helped Clara sit up slowly while keeping a protective arm around her shoulders.
He looked up toward the second-floor balcony with anger burning in his eyes.
Evelyn was standing right beside the wooden railing, staring down at them with a smirk.
She showed absolutely no regret or fear on her cold, calculated face.
Marcus: How could you do something so evil to your own stepdaughter?
Evelyn: You are just hired security, Marcus, so know your place in this house!
Clara: The law will not protect you from what you just did to me!
Evelyn: Nobody will ever take the word of a fragile girl over mine!
Clara pulled her satin robe tighter around herself as she stood up on shaky legs.
She felt completely betrayed by the woman who promised her father to care for her.
Evelyn began walking slowly down the sweeping grand staircase toward the foyer.
She held her head high as if she still owned every corner of the vast property.
Evelyn: You slipped on the polished floor, Clara, and everyone will believe that story.
Marcus: I saw you shove her with my own eyes from across the hall.
Evelyn: Your word means nothing against mine in a real court of law!
Suddenly, the massive double front doors burst open with a loud, ringing crash.
Three uniformed police officers rushed inside the mansion with their equipment ready.
Officer Davis: Police! Nobody move! Hands where we can see them!
The lead officer stepped into the center of the hall with total authority.
Evelyn froze halfway down the staircase as her confident expression suddenly vanished.