The bright sun reflected off the ocean water, making the white deck of the luxury yacht shine like glass. A breeze moved across the light marble patio floors, fluttering the American flag mounted on the stern. I stood near the stairs, my hands shaking as I smoothed the fabric of my maroon velvet gown. Beside me, my husband, Marcus, adjusted his navy suit, looking at me with pure disgust.
Marcus: Get off my yacht! You have nothing left here!
Cora: This yacht was paid for by my father's estate trust, Marcus! You have no right to throw me out!
Evelyn: Oh, give it a rest, Cora. Nobody wants to hear your whining anymore.
Evelyn stepped out from the upper cabin, her gold sequin dress catching the bright sunlight. She tilted her head, her laughter mocking and cold as she adjusted a large ruby brooch pinned near her collar.
Cora: That brooch belonged to my mother!
Evelyn: Marcus gave me everything that used to be yours. Get over it.
My chest heaved as I looked at the red gem resting against her chest. My mother had worn that brooch on her wedding day, and now this gold-digger was wearing it on my family's boat. Driven by explosive fury, I took two fast steps forward and forcefully slapped Marcus hard across the face.
The heavy slap rang out across the open water, making his head snap sideways as he let out a loud gasp and staggered backward against the brass railing.
Marcus: Ugh! You crazy woman!
Cora: You sold my family out, Marcus! But it ends today!
I reached into my maroon velvet gown pocket, pulling out my smartphone. My fingers flew across the screen as I dialed my father's corporate attorney, placing the call on speaker while glaring defiantly at both of them under the American flag.
Cora: Freeze the yacht! Revoke his power of attorney right now!
Evelyn: You ruined everything!
Evelyn screamed, her face twisting into sudden, violent rage. Before I could end the call, she rushed forward, her hands slamming into my chest. She violently shoved me backward off the yacht deck, sending me tumbling over the railing toward the dark water below.