The crystal chandeliers of the Sterling estate threw sharp, brilliant light across the crowded ballroom. High on the back wall, an American flag hung proudly over the light marble floor, casting a shadow across the hundreds of high-society guests. Evelyn Sterling stood in the center of the room, her emerald green designer gown sweeping against the stone, her eyes filled with cold disgust as she glared at the young woman in front of her.
Evelyn: You worthless parasite! You don't deserve to stand in this family... or wear that dress!
Clara: Mrs. Sterling, please! I was invited by the estate trustees!
Evelyn: The trustees do not manage my guest list, girl!
Before anyone could move, Evelyn reached out and aggressively grabbed the front of Clara’s black lace evening dress. With a violent, sharp jerk, she ripped the fabric completely off Clara’s body, tossing the torn garment onto the marble floor. Gasps echoed through the room as Clara was left standing in front of two hundred wealthy guests in only her black bra and panties, her skin pale in the bright daylight.
Clara: Oh my God!
As the black lace dress hit the stone, a small green jade crescent locket fell out of the torn pocket. The heavy piece clattered against the floor right under the American flag, splitting cleanly into two halves.
Clara dropped her arms, staring down at the broken jade on the floor as tears filled her eyes.
Evelyn: Look at you, standing there like the beggar you are!
Evelyn glanced down at the floor, but the moment her eyes landed on the broken green jade crescent locket, her arrogant sneer vanished. Her face turned ghostly pale, and her hands began to tremble uncontrollably.
Evelyn: No... impossible! Tell me this isn't my daughter!
Julian: Mother... you've just destroyed your own family!
Julian Sterling rushed through the crowd, his tuxedo jacket open as he wrapped his arms tightly around Clara, shielding her exposed body from the staring crowd. He turned back to Evelyn, his eyes burning with an intense, terrifying rage that made the older woman stumble back against the marble pillar.