The funeral hall was bathed in blinding daylight, the white marble floors shining under the tall glass roof. Rich family members in black suits whispered in small circles, holding champagne glasses as if attending a party rather than a memorial service.
In the middle of the hall stood Victoria Vance, her diamond necklace flashing under the lights. She glared down at eighteen-year-old Chloe, whose eyes were swollen and red from crying.
Victoria: Grab her now. Drag her out through the back door before the heavy investors arrive.
Chloe: Let go of me! This is my father's funeral!
Security Guard 1: Ma'am, please come with us quietly.
Chloe: I am his only child! You have no right to touch me!
Two tall security guards in black suits grabbed Chloe by both arms, lifting her off her feet as she struggled against their grip.
Victoria raised her hand, her gold bracelets clinking together as she sneered at the girl.
Victoria: GET HER OUT BEFORE THE GUESTS SEE HER!
Chloe: You stole everything from him! You didn't even love him!
Victoria: I am his lawful wife and the sole owner of this estate. You are nothing but a mistake he made before he met me.
The guests turned around, murmuring softly as the guards dragged Chloe toward the back exit. Tears ran down her pale face, dripping onto her black lace dress.
Suddenly, the massive screen behind the polished silver casket flickered to life. A deep, familiar voice boomed across the marble hall, cutting through the murmurs of the crowd.
Richard Vance: IF ANYONE REMOVES MY DAUGHTER FROM THIS ROOM, THEY LOSE EVERY DOLLAR!
Victoria froze mid-step, her red lipstick parting in sudden panic as she stared up at the screen. The entire room went dead silent as Richard Vance's recorded image filled the giant display, his cold eyes staring directly at his wife.