The morning light streamed brightly through the high arching windows of the grand estate.
Victoria adjusted the sash on her cream silk night suit as she stepped into the upper hallway.
She looked down at the gleaming white marble floor of the foyer below.
This massive mansion had belonged to her grandfather for over forty years.
He had passed away three weeks ago, leaving behind a massive trust fund and property portfolio.
Victoria: Grandfather wanted this house to stay in the family forever.
She spoke softly to herself as she walked past the large United States flag hanging on the wall.
Her stepmother Evelyn had lived in the mansion for five years after marrying Victoria's late father.
Evelyn loved the luxury life, the fast cars, and the social status that came with the family name.
However, the final will was scheduled to be read in court later that afternoon.
Victoria knew that Evelyn was terrified of losing her lifestyle.
Evelyn: You think you are so clever walking around here like you own the place!
Victoria turned around quickly and saw Evelyn standing near the top of the stairs.
Evelyn wore a bright crimson red silk dress that caught the sunlight.
Her face was twisted with anger and resentment as she stared at Victoria.
Victoria: Evelyn, I am not trying to fight with you today.
Evelyn: You are trying to steal my entire life and throw me out on the street!
Victoria: Grandfather made his own choices about his estate and his legal business.
Evelyn took two slow steps toward Victoria on the polished marble floor.
Evelyn: He was an old man who did not know what he was doing when he signed those papers!
Victoria: His lawyer confirmed that he was completely sound of mind when he wrote the will.
Evelyn's hands clenched into tight fists as she glared at her stepdaughter.
Evelyn: I gave five years of my life to this family and I will not be tossed aside!
Victoria felt a cold knot of anxiety form deep inside her stomach.
She had known Evelyn was upset, but she had never seen her this furious before.
Victoria: We can sit down with the family lawyer and talk like calm adults.
Evelyn: There is nothing left to talk about with a selfish girl like you!
Evelyn stepped closer, blocking the main path to the wide stairway.
Victoria slowly backed away toward the edge of the upper balcony railing.
The white balustrade was the only thing standing between her and a twenty-foot drop into the foyer.
Victoria: Please, Evelyn, just take a deep breath and calm down.
Evelyn: You have no idea what I am capable of when my future is on the line!
Below in the courtyard, a heavy car door slammed shut with a loud bang.
Marcus, the chief head of family security, was stepping out of his black SUV.
He had served the family for over ten years and managed all estate legal affairs.
Marcus straightened his black suit jacket and walked toward the heavy front doors.
He carried an important leather briefcase containing the official copy of the estate documents.
He had no idea that a dangerous confrontation was unfolding right above his head.