The bright Texas sunlight streamed into the grand white marble foyer of the Sterling estate in Dallas, reflecting off polished floors and crystal chandeliers. Wall-mounted gold sconces framed a large American flag hanging prominently against the pristine wall. Dozens of wealthy guests in suits and designer gowns held champagne flutes, murmuring among themselves. But the party atmosphere evaporated the second the double mahogany doors swung open.
Alexis stepped into the hall. She wore a sharp, tailored white tuxedo, a crisp black bow tie, and black leather gloves. Her face bore a dark purple bruise on her left cheekbone, a swollen black eye, and a thin cut bleeding near her temple. Yet her posture was completely rigid, her posture commanding and cold as her leather-gloved fingers twitched at her sides.
Victoria: What is she doing here?! Security, get this crazy woman out of my house right now!
Victoria stood near the center staircase, her sleeveless bright yellow dress vibrant against the white marble. Her flame-red hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her freckled face twisted into pure, unadulterated fury as she took two aggressive steps forward.
Alexis: You thought four hired men in a parking garage could stop me from coming home, Victoria?
Victoria: I don't know what kind of lies you're spewing, Alexis! You were fired from this estate yesterday!
Alexis: I wasn't fired. I was set up. And every person in this room is about to learn what you did to my father's estate trust!
The crowd gasped in unison, moving back against the marble pillars to give the two women space. Victoria's eyes flared with venom as she closed the distance between them, ignoring the stares of Dallas's most powerful families.
Victoria: You shouldn't have shown your face here today, Alexis!
Alexis: Touch me again and see what happens, Victoria.
Victoria: GET OFF MY WAY!
Victoria screamed the words directly into Alexis's face, her mouth wide and nostrils flaring in rage. Alexis didn't flinch. She raised one gloved hand, her fingers gently touching the stinging cut on her cheek as she glared back with pure hatred.
Alexis: ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?!
Alexis's voice echoed through the high-ceilinged foyer, thick with anger. The confrontation was about to explode, and the secret behind the Sterling family fortune hung in the balance.