The crystal chandeliers in the grand hotel lobby cast a bright light across the marble floor below. Hundreds of wealthy guests in expensive suits and gowns stood laughing with champagne glasses in their hands. I adjusted the fabric of my vintage polka-dot dress and looked up toward the second-floor balcony. Standing there, glaring down at me with cold eyes, was my stepmother, Victoria.
She wore a sharp grey suit with a small USA flag pin pinned to her chest. Ever since my father passed away six months ago, Victoria had been systematically cutting me out of the family business. She wanted the entire ninety-million-dollar estate for herself and her useless brother. Every time I asked about my father’s real will, she brushed me off with a cruel smile.
Victoria: Clara! Get up here right now!
I walked up the grand staircase to meet her on the mezzanine, hoping we could finally talk like adults.
Clara: What do you want, Victoria? The board meeting is in twenty minutes.
Victoria: You think you’re so clever, don’t you? Coming here with your father’s old lawyers.
Clara: I know what you did to his accounts. I have the bank records.
Victoria’s face twisted in pure rage. Before I could step back, her hands shot out. Her long fingers brutally grabbed the collar of my polka-dot dress, ripping the delicate fabric at my neck.
Victoria: You ruined everything!
She dragged me backward against the cold brass railing of the balcony. Horrified gasps erupted from the guests on the upper level as they froze in shock.
Victoria: You should’ve died the day you came into this family!
With a violent shove, she pitched my body over the edge. Air rushed past my ears as I screamed, my hands reaching out into empty space as the marble lobby floor rushed up to meet me.