Vanessa turned around slowly as soon as David's car pulled out of the long driveway.
Her warm friendly smile vanished instantly, replaced by a dark glaring scowl.
Vanessa: Go up to your room right now and stay out of my sight.
Clara: But Daddy said I could finish my painting in the kitchen table area.
Vanessa: I do not care what your father said because I am in charge now.
Clara picked up her small paintbrush and walked quietly up the white marble stairs.
She hated how cold the vast house felt whenever her father was not around.
Vanessa followed closely behind her, watching her every step with deep resentment.
Vanessa wanted David's vast fortune and massive estate entirely for herself.
She viewed little Clara as a major obstacle in receiving the full family inheritance.
If Clara remained in the picture, David's money would be placed into a trust fund.
Vanessa wanted to make sure she was the primary beneficiary of his life insurance.
She walked up to the second-floor balcony that overlooked the tall white entrance foyer.
Clara was leaning slightly against the polished wooden railing, looking down at the floor.
Vanessa stepped up behind the innocent little girl with absolute coldness in her eyes.
Vanessa: You really think you belong in this big house, don't you?
Clara: My mommy and daddy built this house for our family.
Vanessa: Well, your mother is gone, and soon you will be out of my way too.
Clara turned around with sudden fear written all over her young face.
Vanessa reached out her hands towards Clara's shoulders near the steep balcony ledge.