The woman in the white suit marched purposefully across the living room, her high heels clicking loudly on the hard marble floor. She ignored Julian entirely at first, her eyes locked onto Clara weeping on the floor beside her fallen wheelchair. Victoria Sterling was alive. Her face showed the lines of age and survival, but her piercing blue eyes were burning with pure, unadulterated rage. She moved fast, crouching down protectively beside Clara, lifting her daughter's head into her lap with gentle, loving hands. She immediately saw the allergic reaction taking over Clara's face and throat.
Victoria: Clara! Hold on, my sweet baby girl! Mama is right here!
Clara: Mom...? Is it... really you...? Am I dreaming...?
Victoria: It is me, darling. You are safe now. Marcus, get her EpiPen under that couch right now!
Julian: Victoria?! No... no, this is impossible! You died in the Gulf! The Coast Guard found your boat burned!
Victoria: I was dead... until you tried to murder my daughter!
The lead security guard, Marcus, retrieved the medical kit instantly and handed the auto-injector to Victoria. With practiced ease, Victoria jammed the EpiPen into Clara's thigh, holding it firmly until the full dose of epinephrine was delivered into her system. Within seconds, Clara's throat began to open up, allowing cool air to rush back into her lungs as she sobbed against her mother's white suit jacket. Victoria held her tight, her eyes never leaving Julian, who was trembling as he backed away toward the fireplace mantle. Evelyn shrank back behind Julian, trying to hide her satin robe and expensive jewelry from Victoria's sharp gaze.
Julian: Victoria, listen to me, this is a massive misunderstanding! Clara had an accident!
Evelyn: Yes! She fell out of her chair herself! We were trying to help her!
Victoria: Shut your mouth, you little parasite! I have watched every single move you made through private investigators for six months!
Julian: You can't just break into my home with armed guards! This is private property!
Victoria: Private property? This estate belongs to the Sterling Family Trust, which I created thirty years ago!
Victoria stood up slowly, her white suit spotless, her expression turning into a mask of pure fury. Julian tried to step forward, pulling out his cell phone to call his personal security team, but Victoria did not hesitate. She took one step forward and forcefully kicked Julian right in the chest with the heel of her boot. The impact sent Julian crashing backward hard onto the polished floor, hitting his head against the wood panels near the framed flag artwork. He let out a painful groan, clutching his ribs as he struggled to catch his breath.