Elena stood trembling near the edge of the high marble balcony.
The cool evening breeze rushed through the open arches of the grand estate.
Below her, the rich guests laughed and drank expensive champagne around the crystal fountain.
They had no idea what was happening on the upper floor of the mansion.
Margarethe stepped forward with a cruel smile on her narrow face.
She held heavy steel scissors tightly in her right hand.
Elena pulled her green silk gown closer to protect herself.
Her heart beat wild and fast against her ribs like a trapped bird.
"That diamond necklace was given to me by my mother," Elena whispered softly.
"Your mother lost her rights to this family trust long ago," Margarethe replied coldness.
"It is the only thing I have left of her memory," Elena wept.
"Then you will have to live with nothing," the older woman sneered.
Margarethe reached out and grabbed the delicate silver chain around Elena's neck.
The sharp steel blades snapped shut with a harsh metallic sound.
Sparkling diamond shards rained down onto the cold polished floor around their feet.
Elena let out a choked cry as the broken chain fell away.
She backed away from her aunt in complete terror and grief.
Her heel caught the edge of the low stone railing behind her.
The heavy marble balcony railing gave way under her weight with a loud crack.
Elena lost her footing and tumbled backward into the empty air.
She screamed as the wind rushed past her ears in a wild storm.
The bright chandeliers of the ballroom blurred into streaks of golden light above her.
She closed her eyes and prepared for the painful impact against the stone floor below.
Suddenly a strong arm reached through the falling glass and caught her tightly.
Julian pulled her hard against his chest as they slammed onto the floor together.
The heavy thud echoed across the silent room like a cannon shot.
He rolled quickly to shield her body from the falling glass and debris.
Elena breathed in the smell of leather and rain from his heavy jacket.
She opened her eyes and looked up into a pair of sharp brown eyes.
"Are you hurt?" Julian asked as his deep voice shook with raw worry.
"She cut it," Elena sobbed while clutching his dark jacket with both hands.
"She took my mother's legacy and destroyed it in front of me."
Julian raised his gaze toward the high balcony where Margarethe stood watching.
His jaw set firm as his eyes burned with pure rage and determination.
"I will save you from this place," Julian promised in a low whisper.