The polished checkerboard marble floor inside the grand estate was freezing cold against Sarah's skin[cite: 1]. Broken glass from the shattered table glittered around her like ice, cutting into her trembling hands as she curled her body around her seven-month pregnant belly[cite: 1].
Evelyn: Know your place, you cheap little nobody[cite: 1].
Evelyn stood directly over her, her high heels clicking loudly against the marble[cite: 1]. The red silk gown she wore rustled as she reached down, snatching the thick leather folder from Sarah's weak fingers[cite: 1].
Sarah: Please... Evelyn... stop this[cite: 1]. My baby... call an ambulance[cite: 1]...
Evelyn: An ambulance? For you? You really thought you could bring those financial audit papers to Marcus and walk away with his family inheritance[cite: 1]?
Sarah gasped for air, her vision swimming as a sharp pain flared through her lower back[cite: 1]. She tried to push herself up, but her palm slid on a jagged piece of glass, leaving a bright red smear on the white tile[cite: 1].
Sarah: Marcus needs to know... you stole millions from the trust fund... he has to see the truth[cite: 1]...
Evelyn: Marcus will only see what I want him to see[cite: 1]. And right now, he's going to see a crazy, violent girl who tried to ruin his family[cite: 1].
Heavy, firm footsteps echoed from the vaulted hallway outside[cite: 1]. The double mahogany doors swung open, revealing Marcus framed in the doorway, his tall frame clad in a sleek tuxedo[cite: 1]. His face was rigid, his jaw set as he took in the scene[cite: 1].
Evelyn didn't waste a second[cite: 1]. She tore the collar of her red silk dress, threw herself against the edge of the glass table, and burst into frantic, hysterical tears[cite: 1].
Evelyn: Marcus! Oh God, Marcus, help me! She attacked me[cite: 1]!
Sarah looked up from the cold marble floor, her strength fading fast as she watched her husband's stepmother point a shaking, manicured finger directly at her face[cite: 1].