The bright crystal chandelier in the grand foyer of the Sterling mansion cast a glittering glow over the polished hardwood floor below. Upstairs at the landing, the air was thick with tension, noise from the charity gala down the hall muffled behind heavy oak doors.
Alexis: You think you can just walk in here with that belly and take everything my mother built?
Maya: This is my husband's home, Alexis. Julian invited me here tonight.
Alexis: Julian isn't here to protect you right now, you little nobody.
Eleanor: Alexis, sweetie, calm down. Let's not make a scene in front of the guests.
Alexis: No, Mom! I'm tired of her acting like she belongs in this family!
Maya took a cautious step backward, her hand resting protectively over her seven-month baby bump. Her heart hammered against her ribs as she saw the furious spark in Alexis's eyes. Alexis wore a skin-tight gold sequined gown, her manicured nails digging into the wooden banister.
Maya: Alexis, please. Just let me pass. I came upstairs to find a quiet place to sit down.
Alexis: You don't get a quiet place. You don't get the trust fund, you don't get the family estate, and you certainly don't get Julian's money!
Maya: I don't care about the money! I just care about Julian and our baby!
Alexis: You don't belong here anymore!
Before Eleanor could reach out to stop her, Alexis planted both hands firmly on Maya's shoulders and shoved with all her weight. Maya's foot slipped off the edge of the polished wooden step. A sharp, horrified gasp tore from her throat as balance vanished entirely beneath her.
Maya: Oh my god, no!
The world spun in a blur of dark wood, glittering light, and rushing air. Maya tumbled down the grand staircase, her body hitting the hard wooden steps with sickening thuds. She bounced off the landing and crashed onto the cold hardwood floor at the base of the stairs, her breath completely knocked out of her chest.
Up at the top of the stairs, Eleanor clutched her pearl necklace in horror, while Alexis stood frozen, staring down at the still body. Maya lay on her side, tears welling in her eyes as agonizing pain shot through her stomach. Her hand trembled as it reached out across the floor, her fingers brushing against her phone that had slid out of her clutch bag. Her lips moved in a desperate whisper, but what she said into the phone would change everything...