Clara stood in the hallway of the large Dallas mansion.
She held the thick paper file close to her chest.
Her hands trembled as she read the top page again.
The white marble floor felt cold under her bare feet.
She was wearing her comfortable white silk pajamas.
She had lived in this big home for three years.
Arthur had always treated her like his own daughter.
He was a wealthy business owner who trusted everyone easily.
His new wife Victoria had moved in six months ago.
Victoria always wore expensive bright red dresses around the house.
She acted like a sweet person when Arthur was present.
When Arthur left for work, her entire warm tone changed.
Clara had noticed strange phone calls over the past few weeks.
Victoria talked about secret trust funds and large bank loans.
Clara decided to look through the home office desk today.
She discovered documents showing Victoria wanted to sell the family business.
Victoria wanted to take all the life insurance money for herself.
Suddenly, heels clacked loudly on the bright marble floor.
Victoria walked around the corner with an angry look on her face.
Her long red dress swished with every fast step she took.
She saw the open folder sitting in Clara's small hands.
Victoria: Put those papers back where you found them right now!
Clara: Arthur needs to know what you are doing!
Victoria: You are ruining everything I worked so hard to build!
Clara backed up slowly toward the white balcony railing upstairs.
She could see the grand entry downstairs empty and quiet.
Arthur was usually at his corporate office at this time.
She was completely alone in the giant house with Victoria.
Victoria stepped forward with her sharp fingernails balled into fists.
Her eyes were wide and filled with pure dark fury.
Victoria: Nobody is going to believe a word you say!
Clara: The law firm confirmed your fake signature today!
Victoria lunged forward without any warning at all.
She slammed her hands against Clara's slender shoulders.
Clara lost her balance and hit the balustrade rail hard.
A sharp gasp escaped Clara as pain shot through her.