The morning light streamed through the tall glass windows of the Vance estate, reflecting off the white marble floors. Clara stood at the top of the grand staircase, holding a thick stack of medical reports and financial documents close to her chest. She was six months pregnant, her blue dress draping softly over her baby bump. Her hands trembled as she looked down at the paper showing the true ownership of her late father's estate. For months, she had been kept isolated in the guest wing, told that her husband had signed away her inheritance. But the documents in her hand proved it was all a lie, orchestrated by the woman standing right behind her.
Victoria: You should have stayed in your room, Clara.
Clara turned around slowly, her heart pounding against her ribs. Victoria stood at the edge of the landing in a fitted red dress, her eyes cold and calculating[cite: 1].
Clara: I know what you did, Victoria. You forged my signature on the trust fund documents while I was in the hospital!
Victoria: Nobody cares about what you know. You're nothing in this house anymore.
Clara: My husband will be home today. When Ethan sees these medical records, he's going to strip you of every cent my father left you!
Victoria: Ethan isn't going to see anything.
Before Clara could step back, Victoria lunged forward and shoved her hard on the shoulder[cite: 1]. Clara lost her balance, a sharp scream escaping her throat as the thick stack of papers flew from her hands, scattering across the white steps like fallen leaves[cite: 1]. She tumbled backward into empty air, her hands reaching out in pure panic as the marble floor rushed up to meet her.
Clara: No! My baby!
Footsteps thundered across the foyer below. A dark blue suit blurred past the bottom landing as Ethan sprinted up the stairs, taking three steps at a time[cite: 1]. He launched himself upward, catching Clara mid-air right before her back hit the hard stone[cite: 1]. The impact knocked the wind out of him, but his arms wrapped tightly around her, absorbing the shock as he carried her safely down the remaining steps to the ground floor[cite: 1].
Clara: Ethan... Oh God, Ethan!
Clara clutched his suit jacket in absolute terror, burying her face into his chest as body-racking sobs took over[cite: 1]. She shook violently, her fingers digging into the fabric of his coat[cite: 1].
Clara: Please protect my baby... Please don't let her hurt my baby[cite: 1]!
Ethan: Shh, I've got you. I'm right here. You're safe now.
Ethan held her close, his jaw clenched tight as his brow furrowed in intense, protective fury[cite: 1]. Slowly, he raised his head and glared up at the top of the staircase[cite: 1]. Victoria stood above them, the malicious grin on her face vanishing instantly as she covered her mouth in shock and panic, her face turning pale as paper[cite: 1].
Ethan: You just chose the wrong family[cite: 1].