Maya stood near the glass doors of the massive Dallas mansion while holding her father's old silver watch.
Her heart beat fast because the quiet home felt cold and full of secrets since her father passed away.
She looked around the huge marble hallway while wondering if coming back home was a huge mistake.
Her stepmother Evelyn stepped down the floating staircase with a dark smile across her painted lips.
Evelyn wore a bright red satin robe that rustled softly against the polished white stone floor.
Evelyn: You should not have come back here today, Maya.
Maya: I came to read my father's final will.
Evelyn: That old document does not matter anymore, child.
Maya took a slow step backward as Evelyn walked right up to her with cold eyes.
She remembered how her father always warned her about people who loved money more than family.
A burly man in a sharp black suit stepped into the foyer with a silent stride.
His name was David, and he had worked as the family bodyguard for nearly ten full years.
David: Is everything okay over here, Miss Maya?
Maya: I am fine, David, just talking with Evelyn.
Evelyn: Leave us alone right now, David.
David bowed his head slightly but he did not move very far away from the front entry.
He noticed how Evelyn was standing so close to the young heir near the upper walkway.
Maya turned her back for a second to look out at the sunny Texas estate lawn.
She trusted her stepmother because her father had loved the older woman for seven whole years.
Evelyn put her hands gently on Maya's shoulders with a fake smile upon her face.
Evelyn: Everything will be over very soon, my sweet girl.
Maya felt a sudden cold chill run down her spine as the hands gripped her tightly.