The bright morning sun streamed into the grand foyer of the Sterling mansion, casting sharp shadows across the polished white floor. Hanging high on the main wall behind the second-floor railing was a large framed American flag, silent above the tense scene below. Evelyn, wearing a tailored green silk dress, stood at the top of the marble staircase, her face flushed with dark, uncontrolled envy. Facing her near the edge was her younger sister, Clara, who was seven months pregnant and dressed in a simple white maternity dress.
Evelyn: You don't deserve any of this estate, Clara!
Clara: Evelyn, please stay back! Think about my baby!
Evelyn: You took everything from me the day Father named you the main heir to his trust fund!
Clara: Father knew you would gamble it all away just like you did with your own business! Please, just let me walk down!
Evelyn: I won't let you sit in this house while I get left with nothing!
Before Clara could take a step backward, Evelyn lunged forward and shoved her hard across the chest with both hands. Clara let out a sharp, terrified scream as her heels lost balance on the smooth stone edge. She tumbled backward, her body crashing violently down the long flight of marble stairs, hitting every single step until she collapsed motionless at the bottom of the foyer.
Evelyn froze at the top of the landing, her face turning pale as she stared down at her sister's body. Her hands flew up to cover her mouth, tears instantly spilling over her eyes as the horror of what she had just done set in. But the sudden sound of heavy footsteps outside proved that her terrible crime was no longer a secret.