The morning sun shone bright over the white marble floor in the grand open foyer downstairs.
Richard was preparing his leather briefcase for an important corporate board meeting across town.
His family trust lawyers were waiting for him to sign important legal inheritance documents for Maya.
Clara walked down the wide stairs wearing an expensive cream silk dress with gold jewelry.
Clara: Where are you going so early on a weekend morning, Richard?
Richard: I am meeting my divorce lawyer and trust officer downtown to secure Maya's trust fund.
Clara's face turned pale, and her thin lips pressed together in a sharp line.
Clara: Why are you putting all your money into a trust for a toddler right now?
Richard: Because Maya is my biological child and my total legal responsibility in this world.
Clara took a fast step forward, her expensive high heels clicking loudly against the tile.
Clara: What about me, Richard? I am your lawful wedded wife!
Richard: You married me, not my private inheritance fund or my corporate family estate.
Clara clenched her manicured hands into tight fists at her sides as her posture stiffened.
Clara: I gave up my career to live in this house with you!
Richard: You live in absolute luxury, Clara, but you treat my child like an unwanted stranger.
Just then, little Maya toddled out of the nearby playroom wearing a light sky-blue dress.
She held a small stuffed bear and laughed happily as she saw her loving father standing there.
Maya: Daddy! Look at my teddy bear!
Richard smiled warmly and crouched down on one knee to greet his sweet little daughter.
Richard: She is beautiful, sweet baby girl!
Clara watched the sweet interaction, and her green eyes filled with pure jealousy and silent rage.
She felt completely sidelined by a two-year-old child who owned the entire family fortune.
Clara: Send her back to her nursery with the nanny immediately!
Richard: Do not speak about my child like that in this house ever again, Clara!
Clara: You love that little brat more than you could ever love me!
Richard: That is entirely true, and it will never change for as long as I live!
Clara made a sharp gasping sound and backed away toward the grand upper balcony railing.
She picked up little Maya suddenly while Richard turned his back to grab his cellphone off the table.