The noise from the gallery grew louder as people watched the argument unfold.
Sarah leaned back against the wall, her energy wearing thin from stress.
She knew she had to protect her emotional well-being for her baby.
Sarah: You are destroying your own reputation in front of the entire town.
Chloe: I do not care about these people or their opinions!
Chloe made another aggressive grab for the black leather folder in Sarah's hands.
Sarah swerved around her, moving toward the open doorway near the pool.
Sarah: Everyone sees who you really are today, Chloe.
Chloe: They see a woman protecting what belongs to her family!
Chloe backed Sarah up near the bright blue water of the swimming pool.
The outdoor sun beamed down on the shimmering surface of the pool.
The American flag mounted on the high exterior wall fluttered slightly.
Sarah: You lied about the trust fund and you lied to the board.
Chloe: I did what was necessary to preserve our wealth!
Sarah: You stole life insurance payouts meant for Mark's recovery last year.
The onlookers behind the partition gasped again at the sudden public exposure.
Chloe's face flushed bright red with immediate anger and frustration.
Chloe: Keep your mouth shut about things you do not understand!
Sarah: I understand the bank audit that finished this morning.
Chloe froze for a brief moment, her eyes widening in surprise.
Chloe: What audit are you talking about?
Sarah: Mark discovered the missing funds three days ago.
Sarah took another step toward the open poolside walkway.
Sarah: He spent the morning working directly with the state fraud department.
Chloe took a step back, her aggressive demeanor showing quick cracks.
Chloe: You are lying to intimidate me!
Sarah: The investigators are already review management files.
Chloe pointed an angry finger at Sarah, trying to regain her dominance.
Chloe: You think you are so smart with your hidden records!
Sarah: We just wanted peace, but you chose to attack us.
Chloe: I will never let an outsider take my place in this town!
Chloe raised her voice again, demanding the crowd back away from the partition.
Chloe: Mind your own business, all of you!
An elderly woman in the crowd pointed toward the main hallway door.
Heavy footsteps began pounding down the slick interior corridor.
Sarah felt an immediate rush of relief wash over her body.
Sarah: He is here now, Chloe.
Chloe: I am not afraid of my own brother!
The heavy oak double doors swung open with a dramatic thud.