The grand foyer of the Sterling estate was a masterpiece of classical architecture, featuring a sweeping marble staircase that curved beneath a multi-tiered crystal chandelier. Warm light flooded the hall, illuminating a tense confrontation at the top of the landing. Chloe, a gentle young woman in a yellow maternity dress, stood near the carved wooden balustrade, clutching her swollen belly. Across from her stood Victoria, Ethan's older sister, wearing a striking red evening gown. Victoria had harbored intense resentment toward Chloe ever since Chloe married into the family, viewing the sweet-natured woman as an illegitimate intruder eyeing the Sterling inheritance. As news broke that Chloe was expecting the primary heir to the estate, Victoria’s long-simmering envy reached a boiling point in the middle of the family's formal gathering.
Without warning, Victoria raised her hand and delivered a violent, sharp slap across Chloe’s face. The loud crack echoed through the expansive foyer, causing servants and gathered guests below to gasp in horror. Chloe stumbled back against the top step, holding her burning cheek in shock as tears filled her eyes. But Victoria’s rage was completely out of control. Before anyone could step in to intervene, Victoria placed both hands firmly against Chloe's shoulders and shoved the pregnant woman backward over the top edge of the staircase. Chloe let out a terrified scream as she lost her footing, tumbling down the flight of stairs, her body striking the marble steps repeatedly before she crashed heavily onto the cold floor below.