The grand foyer of the Bennett mansion was always cold and quiet.
Bright white walls towered over polished white marble floors that shone like ice.
A massive American flag hung draped along the curved stair railing near the front entry.
Carter Bennett pulled his dark blue suit jacket tight as he walked up the front steps.
He was returning early from a high-stakes business trip in Chicago.
His mother, Mrs. Evelyn Bennett, had been feeling unwell for several months.
Carter loved his mother deeply and cared for her after his father passed away.
He hired his charming girlfriend, Chloe, to oversee the household affairs while he was gone.
Chloe was a stunning blonde woman who always wore striking luxury designer dresses.
She had insisted on managing the home, the staff, and Evelyn's care routine.
Carter trusted her completely with his family's vast inheritance and estate.
As Carter placed his key into the heavy front lock, he heard a loud crash inside.
It sounded like heavy metal tumbling against stone and echoing off the tall ceilings.
He pushed the double doors open and rushed straight into the main entry hall.
His eyes widened in absolute shock at the scene right in front of him.
An overturned metal wheelchair lay resting at the bottom of the long marble staircase.
His frail mother was lying motionless on the cold floor near the staircase base.
Her pale beige outfit was ruffled, and her thin body looked terribly fragile.
High above on the balcony stood Chloe in a bright red velvet dress.
She leaned over the white railing with a strangely calm expression on her face.
Chloe: You're still alive? What a total pity.
Carter stared up at Chloe with pure confusion and sudden terror in his chest.
Carter: Chloe, what on earth did you just say to her?
Chloe turned toward Carter, her face suddenly shifting into tears and distress.
Chloe: Oh, Carter, thank goodness you just walked through the front door!
Carter: Did you push my mother down those stairs?
Chloe: Of course not! Her brakes slipped while I was wheeling her out.
Carter dropped his leather briefcase onto the floor and sprinted over to Evelyn.
He knelt beside his mother and gently took her fragile, cold hand in his.
Evelyn groaned softly and tried to open her eyelids to look at her son.
Carter: Mom, don't move, just stay completely still until help arrives.
Evelyn: Carter... my chest... she took my keys...
Carter: Save your breath, Mom, I am right here with you now.
Carter looked up at Chloe, who was standing on the balcony above them.
Carter: Call an ambulance right now, Chloe!
Chloe: The phone line in the kitchen seems to be completely dead today.
Carter reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out his cell phone rapidly.
Before he could dial emergency services, a sudden noise came from the hallway.