Evelyn: Clara, get up right now. Don't sit there making a dramatic scene for the guests to hear!
Clara: My... my baby... please call an ambulance...
Evelyn: An ambulance? Are you out of your mind? If the paramedics come here, the reporters outside will ruin our charity gala!
Clara: She pushed me... Evelyn, she shoved me down the stairs...
Evelyn leaned closer, placing a heavy, cold hand on Clara's shoulder, pinning her down gently while her eyes narrowed in warning.
Evelyn: Listen to me very carefully, Clara. You stumbled because you wore improper shoes. You know how stressed Jessica has been about the family business litigation.
Jessica: She tripped! I didn't even touch her!
Evelyn: Exactly. Jessica is under immense pressure regarding her father's estate. You are going to apologize to her right now for making her angry and causing this scene.
Clara: Apologize?! She tried to kill my unborn child!
Evelyn: Do not use that tone with me! If Julian walks through those doors and hears you making wild allegations, I will make sure the trust fund cuts off your medical coverage tomorrow!
Clara: Evelyn... please... I'm bleeding...
Evelyn: Then say you're sorry! Say it right now so we can move you into the study before anyone sees you!
Jessica slowly walked down the steps, her arms crossed tightly over her chest, a cruel smile playing on her lips as she looked down at Clara.
Jessica: Go on, Clara. We're waiting. Tell my mother how clumsy you were.
Clara: I'm... I'm sorry...
Evelyn: Louder, Clara. So Jessica can hear you clearly.
Clara: I'm sorry...
Jessica: See, Mom? I told you she was just being dramatic. She knows she slipped on her own dress.
Evelyn: Now stay right there while I get a towel to wipe up this stain. We aren't letting Julian see a single drop of blood.
Evelyn stood up and turned toward the kitchen hallway. Jessica turned her back as well, smoothing down the front of her black dress in the mirror hanging near the front entryway. They thought Clara was completely helpless, broken and defeated on the floor. But Clara's eyes stayed fixed on her purse, which had burst open during the fall. Two feet away, lying on the dark wood near a drop of blood, was her smartphone, screen illuminated and screen-lock disengaged.