The grand ballroom of the Beverly Hills estate shone with gold trim and crystal lights, filled with California's wealthiest executives and socialites. Champagne flutes clinked softly as music drifted through the warm air. Victoria adjusted the silver tiara pinned to her blonde hair, her diamond necklace sparkling brightly under the bright lights. She stood beside her son, Julian, who smoothed the lapels of his custom tuxedo.
Victoria: How dare you!
Elena: Excuse me?
Victoria: How dare you even stand in the same room as my family!
A loud, sharp crack echoed off the gilded walls as Victoria raised her hand and slapped Elena hard across the face. The force of the blow made Elena's head snap to the side, her brown hair falling over her cheek. Surrounding guests froze instantly, their conversations dying out as eyes locked onto the scene.
Elena: Victoria, what is wrong with you?
Julian: Do not try to embarrass yourself, Elena. You knew this was coming.
Elena: Julian? What are you talking about?
Julian stepped forward, his eyes cold and menacing. He reached out and gripped Elena’s chin firmly, squeezing her jaw as he leaned in dangerously close to her face. He lowered his voice, but the threat in his tone was crystal clear.
Julian: Keep your mouth shut if you know what is good for your father's estate.
Elena: Let go of me, Julian.
Instead of releasing her, Julian brought his hand up to her neck, his fingers tightening firmly around her skin. Elena held her breath, her eyes locking onto his as her hand slipped quietly into her silk clutch purse. Her fingers pressed the side button of her smartphone, turning on the dark screen. The lock screen lit up, showing the time in bold numbers: 10:00.
Julian: You think you can walk away from this engagement with half my mother's trust fund?
Elena: Take them all in now.
She whispered the words softly directly into the microphone of her phone. A second later, the massive gold double doors at the main entrance of the ballroom swung wide open. The loud boom echoed through the hall as heavy steel-toed boots marched across the polished marble. A squad of armed guards in black tactical suits flooded into the room, their lead officer stepping forward and pointing his finger directly at Julian and Victoria. Julian’s grip slipped from Elena’s neck as his face turned pale with pure terror, realizing every secret he hid was about to come light.