The bright light filled the huge grand hall of the family mansion.
Every light fixture shimmered against the clean white marble floors.
David stood near the main stage while hundreds of guests talked happily.
He wore a black tuxedo and looked around at his friends and family.
This was the biggest night of his life as a young father.
He was about to announce his new company leadership to the town.
His sweet little baby girl was sleeping calmly in her carriage near the front row.
His older daughter Lily sat right beside the soft carriage to guard her sister.
Lily: Dad, everyone is waiting for your speech.
David: I know, sweetie, I just want everything to be perfect.
David took a deep breath and smiled at his young daughter.
He had worked hard for ten long years to protect his family business.
After his wife passed away, he dedicated his life to his two girls.
His rich stepmother Evelyn stepped into the grand hall wearing a bright red dress.
She walked slowly across the polished floor with her head held high.
Evelyn had never liked David or his late wife.
She always wanted the entire family trust fund for her own biological son.
Evelyn: You look very proud tonight, David.
David: This night is about my daughters and our future, Evelyn.
Evelyn: Future plans can change faster than you think.
David felt a strange chill in his chest when she said those cold words.
He noticed that Evelyn was holding a heavy silver lockbox in her hands.
That silver lockbox belonged to his late father and held vital legal papers.
It contained the original trust fund will and the house deed.
David: Why do you have my father's private box?
Evelyn: Because it holds the real truth about this estate.
David stepped closer to her with a serious look on his face.
David: Put that back in the upper study right now.
Evelyn: I am going upstairs to make my own announcement.
Evelyn turned around quickly and walked toward the grand staircase.
Her bright red dress rustled as she moved up the white marble steps.
David wanted to follow her immediately, but a guest stopped him to talk.
Guest: Congratulations on the big company expansion, David!
David: Thank you so much, please excuse me for just one minute.
David felt his heart beating fast as he watched Evelyn reach the upper balcony.
She stood near the top railing right above the large crowd of guests.
The large American flag hung proudly on the wall right behind her upper spot.
Everyone below was still chatting and enjoying their cool drinks.
Nobody noticed Evelyn holding the silver lockbox over the top edge of the railing.
David stopped in his tracks near the center of the bottom floor.
He looked up and saw the cold smile on Evelyn's face.
David: Evelyn, do not do anything foolish up there!
Evelyn looked down at him with dark eyes and tilted her hand slightly.