The Grand Ballroom at the Dallas Ritz-Carlton was crowded with wealthy donors, corporate executives, and high-society couples. Crystal chandeliers glittered above the guests as classical music drifted through the air. David stood near the center stage, holding a glass of champagne, though his eyes looked hollow and tired.
Victoria: Darling, you need to smile. The board members are watching us.
David: I can't stop thinking about yesterday, Victoria. Emma hasn't stopped crying since Maria left.
Victoria: Oh, forget about that ungrateful maid! We hired a replacement nanny this morning. Everything is fine now.
David: Something feels wrong. Maria worked for my family for six years. She loved Emma.
Victoria: People change when they get jealous of wealth, David. Don't be so naive.
Before David could respond, the lights in the ballroom dimmed slightly. The main doors at the back of the hall swung open, and a hushed silence fell over the crowd. Marcus Vance walked into the room, wearing a sharp tux, and right beside him was Maria, dressed in an elegant navy gown.
Victoria: What is she doing here?! How did that trash get past security?
David: Marcus? What is the meaning of this?
Lawyer Marcus: Good evening, everyone. Pardon the interruption, but as the chief legal counsel for the Vance Family Trust, I have an urgent update regarding the forty-million-dollar estate distribution.
David: Marcus, this is a charity gala! What are you doing with our former maid?
Lawyer Marcus: I'm protecting your life and your daughter's life, David. Step up to the stage.
David frowned, looking at the determined expression on his brother's face. He stepped toward the podium, while Victoria tried to grab his arm to hold him back.
Victoria: David, don't listen to him! He's trying to embarrass you in public!
David: Let go of me, Victoria. I want to hear what my brother has to say.
Lawyer Marcus: Yesterday, an attempt was made on baby Emma's life at the family estate. My client, Maria, saved the child's life by diving onto the floor to catch her.
Victoria: That's a lie! She pushed the baby!
Lawyer Marcus: Is it a lie, Victoria? Because while the upstairs hallway camera was indeed turned off by you, the downstairs foyer camera was connected to my security firm's private server. And we have the footage right here.
Marcus pressed a button on a remote control, and the massive projector screen behind the stage flickered to life, displaying a high-definition video feed of the foyer.
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