The bright chandelier lit up the grand foyer of the suburban estate.
Six-year-old Lily sat on the plush living room rug.
She clutched a worn brown teddy bear tightly against her chest.
Her stepmother, Brenda, stepped into the room wearing a shimmering sequin gown.
Brenda scowled down at the small child with deep irritation.
Brenda: Why are you still holding that filthy thing?
Lily: It was my mommy's last gift to me.
Brenda: Your father hired me to organize this house, not keep old trash.
Brenda reached down and yanked the stuffed animal from Lily's hands.
Lily: No! Give it back!
Brenda: You need to grow up and let go of the past.
Brenda tossed the bear across the polished marble floor.
Lily burst into tears and covered her face with her small hands.
Clara, the family housemaid, rushed into the room carrying fresh linen.
Clara: Please stop, Mrs. Vance!
Clara dropped the linens and dropped to her knees beside Lily.
Clara: Shh, sweetie, it is okay.
Brenda: Mind your own business, Clara!
Clara: You have no right to treat her like that.
Brenda: I have every right as the lady of this mansion!
Brenda turned toward a glass display cabinet near the entrance.
She picked up a valuable ceramic vase inherited from Mark's mother.
Brenda raised her arm high into the air.
She deliberately smashed the priceless vase onto the hard floor.
Shards of white ceramic scattered across the dark polished tiles.
Brenda immediately dropped to the floor beside the broken pieces.
She rubbed her face to make herself cry dramatically.
Brenda: Help! Someone help me!