The bright Texas sun poured through the high windows of the Dallas mansion, casting long beams of light over the white marble floor and bright white columns. An American flag hung vertically in the background, adding an air of solemn prestige to the grand entry hall. Up on the second-story staircase, Victoria stood in her green sequin dress, her emerald earrings shimmering against her dark hair. Her face was twisted into a cruel mask as she glared down at seven-year-old Toby, who lay crumpled at the base of the marble steps.
Victoria: "LEAVE THIS HOUSE RIGHT NOW!"
The young boy lay on the cold stone, weeping softly as he clutched his bruised wrist. His small grey suit was rumpled, and tears stained his pale cheeks as he trembled in sheer pain. Hannah, his dedicated blue-uniformed caregiver, sprinted across the foyer and dropped to her knees beside him. She pulled the crying boy into her arms, cradling his head against her shoulder as she checked his small body for broken bones.
Hannah: "ARE YOU HURT SO MUCH?!"
Toby: "My arm... it hurts so bad, Hannah!"
Hannah: "Shh, I've got you, sweetheart. Don't move."
Hannah wrapped her arms tightly around Toby, offering warmth and comfort while her heart pounded with rage. She looked up toward the grand staircase, her eyes burning with furious indignation at the wealthy woman standing above.
Hannah: "HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO A CHILD?!"
Victoria didn't answer with remorse. Instead, she leaned against the polished banister, staring down coldly with a malicious grin that chilled Hannah to the bone. Before Hannah could pull Toby up, the massive front double doors burst open with a heavy thud. Richard Vance strode aggressively into the foyer, flanked by two private security officers. His face was dark, his dark suit crisp, and his heavy footsteps echoed across the marble floor. Toby lifted a trembling finger, pointing up at Victoria through his tears, setting off a confrontation that would rip the Vance family secret wide open.