The polished white marble of the Sterling estate foyer echoed with the sharp, violent click of high heels.

Sarah tightened her trembling hands around the two small leather travel bags she had just packed for the guest wing.

Victoria: Don't take another step, you pathetic little thief!

Sarah stopped in her tracks, her chest tightening as Victoria Vance stepped directly into her path, clad in a lavish champagne embroidered gown.

Sarah: Miss Vance... please, I was just finishing up the morning inventory in the east gallery.

Victoria: Cut the innocent act, Sarah. My two-million-dollar diamond choker is missing from the master suite safe!

Sarah’s eyes widened with genuine shock, her breath hitching in her throat.

Sarah: Miss Vance, I swear to God I have never even touched that safe! I don't even know the master codes!

Victoria's lip curled into a sneer of pure venom as she lunged forward, swinging her hands violently.

Victoria: Admit you took it, you thief!

The impact hit Sarah hard against her shoulder, throwing her off balance and knocking her down onto the slick floor.

Sarah scrambled on the cold floor, pulling the leather cases tightly to her chest as hot tears spilled over her eyelashes.

Sarah: I swear on my life I never touched it! Please, don't do this!

Victoria: I am going to make sure you rot in county jail for the next thirty years!

Before Victoria could raise her hand again, the heavy double doors of the grand entrance burst wide open.

A towering figure in a sharp, fitted suit stormed inside, his presence commanding the entire room like thunder.

Roman: Stop this right now! What is going on in my house?