The white marble floors of the Vance mansion reflected the high gold chandeliers, making the main hall look like a sparkling palace. Dozens of wealthy guests stood in small circles, holding crystal glasses and laughing under the bright lights.
Clara adjusted her plain black chef apron, taking a deep breath to calm her nerves. She stood near the catering station, her five-year-old son, Leo, holding tightly onto her hand.
Julian: YOU... YOU DIED FIVE YEARS AGO!
Julian Vance stood at the top of the grand marble staircase in his black tuxedo, his face completely pale as his wine glass slipped from his hand and shattered against the floor.
Victoria: Julian, what are you looking at? You're scaring the guests.
Victoria, wearing a bright red silk gown and clutching her heavy diamond necklace, turned her head to look down at the catering area.
Victoria: YOU WERE NEVER SUPPOSED TO SURVIVE!
Victoria's face twisted with sudden panic as she grabbed her dress and rushed down the steps toward Clara and little Leo.
Clara: Hello, Julian. Hello, Victoria. It's been a long time.
Julian: Clara... how is this possible? The police report said the car went into the river!
Clara: Reports can be bought, Julian. Just like you bought off my doctors and my lawyer.
Victoria: Get out of this house right now! You don't belong here!
Clara: LOOK AT HIS EYES, JULIAN...
Clara looked at Victoria with cold confidence, a calm smile spreading across her face as she gently nudged Leo forward.
Clara: Look closely at my son. Does he look like a stranger to you?
Victoria: Shut up! Don't you dare talk about him!
Victoria suddenly rushed forward with explosive rage, swinging her hand violently toward little Leo's face.
Clara stepped in front of her son instantly, swinging her arm back with full force and slapping Victoria hard across the face.
Victoria stumbled back into Julian, clutching her stinging, reddened cheek as the guests gasped in shock.
Victoria: YOU SLAPPED ME?!
Clara turned with fierce authority to Julian, swinging her hand with full force and slapping him hard across the face as well.
Julian stumbled back beside his wife, holding his burning cheek in total shock.
Clara: WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! TOUCH MY SON AGAIN AND I WILL DESTROY YOU BOTH!
Clara gently took Leo's hand and turned her back on them, but as she walked toward the front entrance, she knew this party was only the beginning of her revenge.