The morning light streamed through the towering glass windows of the grand foyer inside the estate.
Arthur Vance stood near his desk while checking through several urgent business files on his tablet computer.
His young daughter Emma played quietly on the soft rug near the massive central white marble staircase.
An American flag hung proudly against the tall white marble wall overlooking the entire primary entrance hall.
Arthur loved his quiet morning routine with his daughter before his busy executive work day officially began.
His wife had passed away two years ago, leaving Arthur to raise young Emma all by himself.
Six months ago, Arthur welcomed his new fiancée Victoria into their spacious home to build a family.
Victoria always acted like a soft spoken, loving stepmother whenever Arthur was standing in the room.
She bought expensive toys for little Emma and constantly spoke about how much she cherished family values.
However, Arthur did not know that Victoria harbored intense jealousy toward his late wife's substantial family estate.
Arthur had set up a massive trust fund for Emma that Victoria could never legally access or control.
Victoria wanted full control over the family money and viewed the toddler as an annoying financial obstacle.
She walked down the second floor hallway wearing a bright emerald green silk dress that swept the floor.
Her sharp eyes scanned the empty balcony area while Arthur stepped into his private study to take a phone call.
Emma wandered up the stairs to search for her favorite stuffed teddy bear near the top landing.
Victoria saw her chance to cause a serious event that would frighten the child away forever.
She rushed forward and grabbed Emma roughly near the dangerous edge of the high upper balcony railing.
Victoria: You do not belong in this family anymore, little girl.
Emma gasped in sheer terror as Victoria pushed her balance over the slick polished wooden handrail edge.
The child lost her footing and slid dangerously near the steep drop toward the hard marble floor below.