The sleek glass walls of the modern dining room reflected the warm lights of the city[cite: 1]. Victoria sat across from her husband, Julian, her golden metallic dress shimmering under the chandelier[cite: 1]. Beside him sat his mother, Evelyn, her neck heavy with an ornate diamond necklace that caught every ray of light[cite: 1].
Evelyn: You don't belong at this table, Victoria[cite: 1].
Victoria: I am Julian's wife, Evelyn[cite: 1]. I have every right to be here[cite: 1].
Julian: Shut up, Victoria[cite: 1]. You're embarrassing us in front of the board[cite: 1].
Victoria: Embarrassing you? You brought me here to sign over my father's estate[cite: 1].
Evelyn: Because that trust fund is wasted on a nobody like you[cite: 1]. Sign the papers[cite: 1].
Victoria: Never[cite: 1]. That inheritance belongs to my family[cite: 1].
Julian stood up suddenly, his expensive suit tight across his shoulders as his face twisted with rage[cite: 1]. Before Victoria could react, he grabbed her by the collar of her dress[cite: 1].
Julian: You'll do what you're told!
With a brutal shove, Julian slammed Victoria onto the hard glass dining table[cite: 1]. Plates shattered and glasses tumbled over, splashing wine across the white tablecloth[cite: 1]. Victoria gasped for air, her body trembling from the sudden violent impact[cite: 1].
Drops of fresh red blood dripped from her bruised face, falling directly onto a white ceramic plate below. She reached up, cradling her aching cheek with a hand that shook uncontrollably.
Evelyn: Good[cite: 1]. Now make her sign before the guards take her outside[cite: 1].
Victoria lay stunned on the surface, her chest heaving as painful, heavy breathing filled the silent room[cite: 1]. She slid her hand down the side of the table, reaching toward her black leather handbag resting on the floor[cite: 1]. Her fingers frantically unzipped the pocket, pulling out her smartphone.
Evelyn: SNATCH THE PHONE FROM HER!
Two heavy bodyguards moved forward, but Victoria was already pressing the speed dial. Out through the floor-to-ceiling windows, headlights flashed in the dark driveway. A massive convoy of black luxury SUVs tore across the manicured lawn, tires screeching furiously against the stone driveway.
Victoria brought the phone to her ear. As Julian stared out the window in sudden horror, a cold, vengeful smile crept across Victoria's blood-stained face.
Victoria: I'VE CALLED THE PEOPLE YOU'VE BEEN AVOIDING.
Her bloodshot eyes narrowed into a terrifying glare of pure determination, waiting for the doors to burst open.