The bright morning sun streamed through the crystal chandelier of the grand mansion, casting sharp reflections across the light marble floor[cite: 1]. Clara stood near the center of the living room, her hand resting gently over her six-month pregnant belly beneath her white robe[cite: 1]. Across from her, holding a half-empty glass of juice, stood Victoria in a dark velvet dress, her face twisted in rage[cite: 1].
Victoria: I told you to stay in the guest room until the guests arrive!
Clara: This is my father's home, Victoria! You have no right to lock me away while you sign over his corporate shares!
Victoria: Your father is dead, Clara! I run this estate now, and I won't let a useless girl ruin my life!
Clara: The lawyers called me this morning. They know about the forged trust fund documents!
Victoria: Get out[cite: 1]!
Victoria placed both hands firmly against Clara's chest and shoved her backward with all her strength[cite: 1]. Clara lost her footing on the polished stone, her arms flailing as she fell backward violently[cite: 1]. Her body crashed straight through the heavy glass coffee table, shattering the thick pane into hundreds of sharp pieces across the marble floor[cite: 1]. Clara let out a breathless groan, lying amidst the broken glass as a sharp pain shot through her stomach[cite: 1]. She clutched her belly, her eyes wide with sheer horror[cite: 1].
Clara: My baby... Oh God, my baby...
Victoria: You should have kept your mouth shut!
At that exact moment, the grand double doors swung wide open[cite: 1]. Heavy leather shoes clicked against the marble entrance as Ethan walked into the foyer wearing a black tuxedo, freshly arrived from his business trip[cite: 1]. He stopped dead in his tracks, his eyes widening in total shock at the scene of shattered glass and blood spread across the floor[cite: 1]. Victoria immediately dropped to her knees, burying her face in her hands as loud, hysterical sobbing filled the room[cite: 1].
Victoria: Ethan! Help me! She attacked me[cite: 1]!
Ethan stared at her crying face, his jaw tightening as his eyes slowly drifted up toward the high white ceiling[cite: 1]. Right above the entryway, the tiny red light of a high-definition security camera blinked continuously, recording every single second[cite: 1].