The bright morning sun poured through the glass patio doors, illuminating the white marble floor of the grand living room where Clara lay, gasping in pain. Her step-sister, Julianna, stood directly above her, pressing the sharp heel of her shoe down onto Clara's leg while wearing a shimmering burgundy gown. A large framed American flag hung on the back wall, catching the full glare of the daylight.
Julianna: Look at you, groveling on the floor like the pathetic little charity case you are!
Clara: Please, Julianna... stop! You're breaking my skin!
Julianna: That is exactly where you belong, Clara! Right under my heel where everyone can see what you are!
Clara: This is my father's home! You can't just throw me out and steal his entire estate!
Julianna: Your father is dead! My mother signed the trust fund papers yesterday, and there is nothing you can do about it!
Julianna threw her head back, letting out a sharp, cruel laugh that echoed off the white walls. Clara whimpered, holding her face as tears ran down her cheeks onto the polished marble.
Julianna: No one is coming to save you today, darling. You have nothing left!
Julianna's laughter suddenly cut short as her eyes caught a subtle glint on the high ceiling. Mounted near the archway was a sleek black dome security camera, its tiny red light blinking steadily under the bright daylight.
Julianna: Wait... what is that up there?!
Clara: Lucian... he had the security system turned back on this morning...
Julianna gasped in sheer panic, her face draining of color as she stared at the glass camera lens.
Julianna: Lucian!
A tall man in a dark tuxedo rushed into the room from the poolside patio, his face twisted in sudden alarm and rage. Lucian's eyes locked onto Julianna standing over Clara's trembling body, and he didn't hesitate for a single second.
Lucian: What the hell are you doing?!
Lucian reached out and grabbed Julianna angrily by her shoulders, shoving her away forcefully toward the open patio doors. Julianna flew backward through the doorway and fell heavily into the outdoor swimming pool with a massive splash.
Lucian immediately dropped to his knees on the marble floor beside Clara, his arms wrapping around her as she wept hysterically.
Lucian: I'm here... It's all right now. I'm so sorry, Clara. I'm so sorry I was a minute too late.
Clara: She has the original trust fund papers, Lucian... She took everything...
Lucian: She took nothing, Clara. Because every single second of what she just did was recorded live to the server, and her nightmare is just beginning.