The morning sun filtered through the grand floor-to-ceiling windows of the quiet Dallas mansion.
Sarah adjusted her light cardigan as she walked slowly across the polished marble hallway.
She was expecting her first child in just three short months.
The house was usually peaceful when her husband Mark was hard at work at his firm.
However, today was completely different because his stepmother Eleanor was visiting for the weekend.
Eleanor had never accepted Sarah into the wealthy family fold.
She always made subtle remarks about Sarah's modest background and lack of family wealth.
Eleanor: You really should not be resting so much today, Sarah.
Sarah turned around slowly to face the older woman standing near the sweeping grand staircase.
Sarah: The doctor asked me to keep my stress levels down, Eleanor.
Eleanor: In my day, women did not use minor ailments as an excuse to avoid responsibilities.
Sarah took a deep breath and tried her best to stay calm.
She did not want another argument to ruin the quiet morning.
Sarah: I am doing what is best for the baby right now.
Eleanor: That baby will inherit the entire trust fund that belonged to my late husband.
Eleanor folded her arms tightly as her sharp eyes narrowed with intense dislike.
Eleanor: It is unfair that someone like you gets to control the entire estate.
Sarah: Mark and I only care about raising our family with love and honesty.
Eleanor: Love does not pay for the taxes on a five-million-dollar estate, my dear.
Sarah decided it was best to end the conversation before it escalated any further.
She turned toward the second-floor balcony that overlooked the spacious living room below.
The morning breeze felt cool and refreshing against her warm face.
She gently placed her hand on the smooth wooden handrail to steady her footing.
Behind her, she could hear the soft, heavy footsteps of Eleanor approaching quickly.
Sarah felt a sudden chill run down her spine as the room went dead silent.
Sarah: Eleanor, please leave me alone for a little while.
Eleanor: I cannot let you take everything away from me, Sarah.
Sarah turned her head slightly to look back over her shoulder.
Eleanor was standing far too close with a cold and bitter look in her eyes.
Sarah felt her heart begin to beat wildly inside her chest.
She took a tiny step backward to create some safe space between them.
Sarah: What are you talking about?
Eleanor: The will was meant for my bloodline, not for an outsider.
Sarah raised her hands defensively to de-escalate the sudden tension.
She could hear the heavy front door unlocking downstairs in the main foyer.
Mark had returned home early from his office to check on his wife.
Eleanor heard the heavy door click shut and moved abruptly toward Sarah.
Sarah gasped in terror as Eleanor reached out with both hands toward her shoulders.
The sudden shove forced Sarah off her balance near the open edge.
Sarah: HELP ME!
Her scream echoed sharply throughout the massive high-ceiling house.
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