The bright midday sun poured through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows of the Sterling family's luxury lounge in Dallas, Texas[cite: 1]. Light marble floors stretched across the vast room, surrounding a plush red carpet that ran straight through the center[cite: 1]. On the background wall, a framed American flag hung high above the marble fireplace[cite: 1]. The air smelled of expensive wine and polished leather, but the atmosphere inside was thick with cruelty[cite: 1].
Chad: You really thought you could come into my family's lounge and disrespect my guests?
Clara: Chad, please! I just wanted to ask about my father's business contract!
Chad: You don't ask about anything in my house! You do as you're told!
Chad Sterling, dressed in a sharp dark red suit, adjusted his grip on the heavy leather belt in his right hand[cite: 1]. Standing nearby on the velvet sofa, Chloe took a slow sip from her crystal champagne glass, letting out a loud, mocking laugh[cite: 1].
Chloe: Look at her dress, Chad! All those fake pearls are about to fall off!
Chad: She needs to learn her place before the sun sets today!
Chad swung his arm back and brought the heavy leather belt down against Clara's back with a violent crack[cite: 1]. Clara gasped heavily, her knees giving out as she collapsed onto the red carpet[cite: 1]. The pearl-encrusted fabric of her white gown tore open, revealing dark red whip marks across her delicate skin[cite: 1].
Chad: 199... 200[cite: 1]!
Clara: Ah...! Please... stop...
Chloe: Oh, don't stop now, Chad! She hasn't even cried yet!
Chad: Nobody interrupts a Sterling family deal and walks away unpunished!
Clara trembled on the floor, her hands shaking uncontrollably as she pressed her cheek against the cool red carpet[cite: 1]. Blood warmed the back of her torn dress, but her eyes held no tears[cite: 1]. Instead, a burning rage ignited deep within her[cite: 1]. She slowly reached inside her small clutch purse, pulling out a sleek black phone with a red custom emblem[cite: 1]. Her thumb pressed a single speed-dial button, lifting the phone to her ear as Chad raised the belt once more[cite: 1].
Clara: Dad... destroy his life[cite: 1].