The Carrington family's annual winter gala was the most anticipated social event of the year.
Crystal chandeliers glittered above the grand marble staircase while politicians, business executives, and celebrities filled the enormous ballroom.
At the centre of the celebration stood Eleanor Carrington, the eighty-year-old matriarch whose fortune had built the family's empire.
Elegant in a white satin gown, Eleanor slowly descended the sweeping staircase with the help of her ornate silver cane.
Near the top of the stairs stood her daughter-in-law, Rosa Carrington, dressed in a deep burgundy evening gown.
Guests were laughing and raising champagne glasses when a sudden cry shattered the music.
Eleanor lost her balance.
Her cane slipped from her hand.
She tumbled violently down the marble staircase as horrified guests screamed in shock.
The sound of her body striking the stone steps echoed throughout the ballroom.
When she finally came to rest on the black-and-white checkered floor, her diamond bracelets and rings were scattered around her like broken pieces of the evening's luxury.
The ballroom doors burst open.
Eleanor's grandson, Daniel Carrington, ran inside wearing a black tuxedo, followed closely by a frightened maid named Sofia.
"She fell!" someone shouted.
"Rosa pushed her!"
All eyes turned toward Rosa.
Daniel dropped to his knees beside his grandmother, lifting her gently into his arms.
"ROSA!" he screamed in agony.
Rosa stepped backwards, her face pale with shock.
"I didn't touch her!"
Meanwhile, Sofia burst into tears.
Several guests had seen her standing near the staircase moments earlier.
"I swear on my life I didn't do it," she sobbed, clasping her trembling hands together.
The accusations flew across the ballroom while paramedics were called.
Eleanor's breathing became weaker.
Daniel held her hand tightly as tears streamed down his face.
Then Eleanor's eyes opened one final time.
With enormous effort, she whispered:
"The... pushed..."
Her voice faded before she could finish the sentence.
The room fell into terrified silence.