The grand foyer of the Sterling estate was packed with high-society guests celebrating the annual trust fund gala. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow across the white marble floor, reflecting off champagne flutes and designer gowns. Cora stood near the top of the stone staircase, wearing a soft blue dress that gently hugged her seven-month baby bump. She smiled as she placed a hand on her belly, feeling the faint kick of her unborn child.
Cora: He is so active tonight, sweetheart.
Julian: He knows his dad is about to announce his trust fund to the entire board.
Julian smiled warmly, leaning down to kiss Cora's forehead before turning to greet the city mayor near the entrance. But as Julian walked away, a sharp shadow moved across the marble landing. Victoria, dressed in a sleek black blazer and tailored pants, stepped out from behind the velvet curtains. Her blonde hair was pinned back neatly, but her eyes burned with pure envy.
Victoria: You look so proud standing up here, Cora.
Cora: Victoria? I thought Julian revoked your invitation to the estate.
Victoria: This mansion belongs to my family's legacy, not a former waitress who trapped my ex-fiancé into a marriage.
Cora: I didn't trap anyone, Victoria. Julian loves me, and we are starting a family together.
Victoria: That child in your stomach is taking away my sixty percent share of the Sterling trust fund. I won't allow it.
Before Cora could take a step back toward the railing, Victoria lunged forward with aggressive force. Her hands slammed heavily into Cora's chest, shoving her backward over the edge of the stone staircase. A sharp, terrifying scream echoed through the high ceilings as Cora lost her footing, tumbling down the flight of hard marble steps. Julian turned around in sheer horror, his face turning pale as he saw his pregnant wife crashing down the stairs while Victoria watched from the top landing with a sinister grin.