Sarah adjusted her plain coat against the chill Dallas wind outside the massive luxury mansion.
She looked up at the huge white pillars framing the expensive front entrance.
Her hands shook slightly as she rubbed her pregnant stomach with soft affection.
Sarah had spent months building up the courage to visit this expensive neighborhood.
She only wanted answers about the father who abandoned her mother years ago.
Her late mother had left behind a legal document revealing his rich identity.
The family business was worth millions, but Sarah wanted no money at all.
She simply wanted to look her biological father in the eye today.
Sarah took a deep breath and rang the heavy brass doorbell twice.
A maid in a crisp uniform opened the wide oak front door.
Sarah politely gave her name and asked to see Mr. Richard Hayes.
The maid hesitated before letting Sarah step into the bright marble foyer.
The white floor sparkled brightly under the large crystal light hanging above.
Sarah felt completely out of place in her worn brown leather boots.
Suddenly, sharp high heels clicked loudly across the upper landing floor above.
A woman in a expensive green satin dress stared down at Sarah.
This was Victoria, the second wife of the famous Texas businessman Richard.
Victoria eyes narrowed instantly into icy slits when she saw Sarah stand there.
She recognized Sarah face from the old photograph hidden inside Richard desk.
Victoria hurried down the grand staircase with an angry expression on her face.
She did not want this girl disturbing her cozy life or fortune.
Victoria: What are you doing inside my private home?
Sarah: I am looking for Richard Hayes, ma'am.
Victoria: He is not here for broads like you.
Sarah: I am his daughter, and I need to speak with him.
Victoria laughed loudly, but her cold eyes showed pure panic inside.
She knew the family trust fund would change if Richard accepted Sarah.
Her own spoiled son stood to lose half of the vast inheritance.
Victoria raised her hand and pointed toward the heavy front exit door.
Victoria: Get out before I call the security guard.
Sarah: I am not leaving until I speak to my father.
Sarah stepped toward the stairs to reach the second floor office area.
Victoria blocked her path quickly at the bottom of the long staircase.
Victoria: You will not step one foot higher in this house.
Sarah: Please, I just want five minutes to talk with him.
Victoria grabbed Sarah arm roughly and pulled her toward the marble foyer.
Sarah gasped in surprise and tried to pull her arm back gently.
The sudden argument rang out through the large hollow mansion walls clearly.
A handsome young man in a gray suit stepped into the hallway.
This was Mark, the stepbrother who managed the family business accounts daily.
Mark looked confused as he watched his mother argue with the guest.
Mark: Mother, what is going on out here right now?
Victoria: This liar is trying to extort our family money!
Sarah: That is not true, I have legal documents to prove it!
Sarah pulled a worn manila envelope out from inside her purse quickly.
Victoria saw the legal seal on the paper and panicked completely inside.
She lunged forward to snatch the paper away from Sarah hands.
Sarah backed up onto the first few steps of the grand staircase.
Victoria followed her up the steps with a mean look in her eyes.
The tension filled the silent room as both women stood on the stairs.