The grand chandelier lit up the ballroom at the Vance family estate, throwing bright light over hundreds of wealthy guests gathered for the charity gala.
Clara: Please, Victoria. Just let me pass.
Victoria: You don't belong on this landing, Clara. You never did.
Clara: I am six months pregnant. Step aside right now.
Victoria: You think that baby gives you a right to your father's estate?
Clara adjusted the lavender gown resting over her stomach, taking a cautious step back from the edge of the tall marble staircase.
Clara: My father left the trust fund to my child, not to you.
Victoria: We will see about that.
Victoria's hands flew forward in a sudden, sharp shove, slamming hard into Clara's shoulders.
A loud scream echoed off the high ceilings as Clara lost her balance, her heels slipping off the polished edge of the top step.
Guest 1: Look out! She's falling!
Guest 2: Somebody catch her!
Clara tumbled down the massive marble staircase in slow motion, her body thudding hard against the stone steps as the room turned into absolute chaos.
She hit the bottom landing with a heavy impact, landing flat on her back near the grand entrance as glass shattered around her.
Arthur: Clara! No!
Arthur sprinted through the crowd, taking the stairs three at a time as his black tuxedo coat flew open.
Victoria stood at the top landing in her bright red dress, watching with a cold, unmoving stare beside her lawyer.
Arthur dropped to his knees, gently lifting Clara's head from the cold stone floor.
Arthur: Stay awake, Clara! Look at me! Keep your eyes open!
Clara: Arthur... my baby...
Arthur: The ambulance is coming right now! Don't talk!
Blood trickled down Clara's forehead, her trembling hand reaching up to grab Arthur's collar as tears filled her eyes.
Clara: Victoria pushed me... don't let them leave...
Arthur looked up toward the balcony, his jaw tightening as he met Victoria's cruel, calm eyes staring down from the top of the stairs.
Arthur: Nobody is leaving this house tonight.
Clara gasped for air, her fingers slipping from his shirt as the world around her faded into pitch blackness.