The Grand Ballroom of the Plaza Hotel was glowing with crystal chandeliers and soft piano music.
Billionaire Richard Sterling walked through the crowded room with his head held very high.
He enjoyed showing off his expensive grey designer suit and broad silver watch to everyone.
People bowed their heads slightly whenever Richard walked past their formal dinner tables.
He owned the largest real estate enterprise in the entire metropolitan city.
His arrogance was legendary among the high society guests attending the charity event.
Near the main entrance stood Elena, wearing a simple but beautiful teal formal dress.
She was a hardworking single mother who ran a small local fitness academy down the street.
Her eight-year-old daughter, Maya, held her hand tightly while looking at the bright lights.
Maya wore a cute yellow party dress with tiny white lace slippers.
Maya: Everything looks like a castle in a storybook, Mommy.
Elena: It certainly does, but remember to stay right beside me, sweetie.
Maya: I will, I just want to look at the pretty glass sculptures.
Elena smiled softly and adjusted her daughter's neat hair ribbon.
She had worked endless double shifts all month to afford tickets for this charity gala.
The fundraiser supported children's sports programs across the whole state.
Elena wanted Maya to see the world outside their humble apartment neighborhood.
Richard Sterling suddenly marched toward the center display table near the glass sculptures.
He stopped abruptly beside a heavy stone display statue and gasped loudly.
Richard: Where is my limited edition platinum pocket watch?
The nearby waiters stopped pouring drinks and turned their heads in alarm.
Richard: It was right here on this black marble tray just a second ago!
He pointed his thick finger directly at young Maya, who was looking at a display.
Richard: You! Little girl in the yellow dress! You stole it!
Maya froze in shock and dropped her paper napkin on the clean polished floor.
Maya: No, mister, I didn't touch anything on the table!
Richard: Don't lie to me, you brat!
Richard grabbed a heavy stone display statue from the marble pedestal in anger.
He slammed the heavy stone statue down onto the banquet table right beside Maya.
The force shattered a fine crystal plate, sending glass sparkling across the white tablecloth.
Maya shrieked in terror and fell backward onto the hard parquet flooring.
She scraped her tiny elbow against the wooden edge during the heavy fall.
Tears immediately pooled in her bright brown eyes as she began to sob uncontrollably.
Maya: Mommy! Help me!