A Cruel Stepmother Rips A Gold Necklace From An Orphan

The bright crystal chandeliers hung high above the grand ballroom inside the sprawling mansion. Hundreds of wealthy guests stood around talking with drinks in their hands. They wore expensive clothes and laughed quietly while soft piano music played in the background. But near the center staircase, a very different scene was taking place. Victoria stood tall in her long red designer gown, looking down at twelve-year-old Lily with pure hatred. Victoria had married into the family two years ago, right before the terrible car crash that took Lily's father away. Ever since that tragic day, Victoria had acted like she owned every single room inside the enormous mansion.

Lily stepped backward, her small hands shaking as she pulled her simple winter coat tighter around her body. She was just a quiet girl who wanted to remember her mother. Around her neck was a delicate gold chain with a small heart pendant that her real mother had given her before passing away years ago. Victoria hated seeing the young girl wear it. To Victoria, every piece of jewelry inside the house belonged to her now. She felt that the orphan child should take nothing from the grand property.

Victoria: You think you can just walk around here wearing expensive things like you own the place?

Lily: My mom gave this to me. It does not belong to the estate.

Victoria: Everything in this house belongs to me now!

Before anyone could stop her, Victoria reached out her gloved hand with sharp speed. She grabbed the delicate gold chain directly off the young girl's neck and pulled with all her force. The thin metal snapped with a loud sound that made nearby guests turn their heads in surprise. The force of the sudden yank sent little Lily stumbling backward until she lost her balance completely. She fell hard onto the cold marble floor, her knee taking the full impact of the drop.

A loud gasp went through the immediate crowd of wealthy friends. Lily sat on the hard stone, tears streaming down her pale cheeks as she pressed her small hand against her burning neck. Where the chain had been ripped away, a bright red mark was already forming on her skin. Victoria stood over her with a cold smirk, holding the snapped gold necklace in her hand like a trophy. She did not feel a single bit of guilt for hurting the helpless child in front of everyone.

Victoria: This doesn't belong to trash like you!

Lily: Please, give it back! It is all I have left of her!

Victoria: You have nothing left here. You are living on my charity, and you should be grateful I have not thrown you out on the street yet.

Lily cried softly, looking down at the marble floor in utter defeat. But as she moved her leg, a dark object slid out from the inner pocket of her coat. It was an old leather legal document, worn at the edges and secured with a thick red wax seal. It hit the marble floor with a soft sound right next to Victoria's high heels. Victoria did not notice it at first, as she was too busy gloating over her cruel victory in front of the gathered crowd.