The morning sun cut through the tall glass windows of the grand estate, throwing bright light across the white marble floors of the main hallway.
David: Chloe, please eat your breakfast before your tutor gets here.
Chloe: I don't want to eat with her, Daddy. She keeps telling me this isn't my house anymore.
David: Sweetheart, Victoria is just trying to adjust. Give her time.
Chloe: She isn't trying, Daddy. When you're not looking, she stares at me like she wants me gone.
David paused, staring down at his six-year-old daughter. Her small hands clutched her stuffed bunny tightly against her chest.
David: I promise you, nobody is ever going to drive you out of this house. This was your mother's home, and now it is yours.
Up on the second-floor balcony, standing beneath the massive American flag hanging from the grand archway, Victoria watched them both with cold eyes.
Victoria: David, you are late for your trust fund board meeting! Leave the child to the staff and get moving!
David: I am talking to my daughter, Victoria. The lawyers can wait ten minutes.
Victoria: The lawyers for a multimillion-dollar estate do not wait, David! Get in your car!
David gave Chloe a quick kiss on her forehead and handed her the stuffed animal.
David: Go up to your room and start your reading. I'll be back before lunch.
Chloe: Okay, Daddy. I love you.
David: Love you more, kiddo.
David grabbed his briefcase and walked out the heavy front doors. The moment the locks clicked shut, Victoria stepped toward the stairs.
Victoria: Chloe! Come out here right now!
Chloe walked out onto the marble balcony, her tiny shoes making small tapping sounds against the stone floor.
Chloe: Yes, Victoria?
Victoria: Stop calling me by my name! You will respect me in this house!
Chloe: But my daddy said—
Victoria: Your daddy isn't here to protect you, you little brat!
Victoria grabbed Chloe roughly by her arm and dragged her toward the high marble railing.
Chloe: Let me go! You're hurting me!
Victoria: You think your mother's inheritance belongs to you? You think this estate is yours?
Chloe: Stop it! Help!
Victoria: Nobody is coming to help you!
With a harsh, violent shove, Victoria forced the little girl over the top edge of the balcony railing, sending her flying into thin air above the marble foyer.