The bright morning sun shone through the tall glass windows of the grand mansion.
Richard stood near the large front entrance while checking his official business emails.
He was a hardworking businessman who loved his small family more than anything else.
His four-year-old daughter Maya played quietly on the soft rug in the living room.
She was wearing a light pink dress that her late mother had picked out.
Richard smiled as he watched his little girl line up her favorite toy blocks.
His new wife Victoria walked down the wide marble hallway in a light lavender gown.
She carried an expensive leather handbag and looked very elegant in the bright light.
However, her eyes were cold whenever she looked down at little Maya.
Victoria: Richard, we need to discuss our vacation plans for next month.
Richard: I already booked the family resort near the beach, Victoria.
Victoria: I thought we agreed that Maya would stay behind with her nanny.
Richard: She is four years old and deserves to come with us.
Victoria: A private beach trip should be just for the two of us.
Richard: Maya is part of this family, and she comes wherever we go.
Victoria crossed her arms tight and turned her face toward the wide windows.
She hated sharing Richard's time and money with a child from his past.
Victoria: You treat her like a fragile glass doll every single day.
Richard: She lost her mother, so I will always protect her.
Victoria: I am your wife now, and my feelings should matter too.
Richard: Your feelings matter, but Maya will never be left out.
Victoria sighed loudly and walked toward the grand staircase with swift steps.
Maya picked up her small pink teddy bear and ran after her stepmother.
Maya: Look at my bear, Victoria!
Victoria: Go back to your toys and stop following me around.
Maya: But I want to show you his new ribbon!
Victoria: I do not care about your silly toy right now.
Richard stepped into his private home office to take an urgent phone call.
He closed the heavy wooden door behind him to keep the room quiet.
Victoria stopped near the second floor balcony railing and looked down angrily.
She saw the massive estate and felt jealous of the young girl's future inheritance.
Maya reached the top of the stairs while holding her favorite stuffed animal.
Victoria: Why are you always under my feet everywhere I walk?
Maya: I just wanted to play with you.
Victoria: You do not belong in this family, you little spoiled child.
Maya stepped backward toward the open balcony railing with wide frightened eyes.
Victoria stepped forward quickly and grabbed the young girl's small arm roughly.
She pulled Maya close to the wooden railing while whispering harsh words.
Victoria: Your father will forget about you once we have our own kids.
Maya: You are hurting my arm!
Victoria: Keep quiet or I will take your teddy bear away forever.
Maya tried to pull her arm back, but her foot slipped on her pink dress.
She lost her balance near the open ledge of the high second floor balcony.