Elena dropped the linens onto a side table and rushed across the pristine foyer.
Her heart pounded against her ribs like a trapped bird.
Elena: Not again!
She slid down onto her knees beside the weeping toddler.
She wrapped her arms around Leo to cushion him from the harsh words.
Baby Leo: I want my mommy!
The boy buried his face deep into the maid's simple apron.
Victoria stood over them, her emerald green dress trailing on the marble floor.
Her face twisted into a mask of pure, condescending arrogance.
Victoria: Mind your own business, Elena!
Elena: You cannot keep treating him like this, Mrs. Vanderbilt!
Victoria: You are a paid servant in this house and nothing more!
Elena: He is just a baby who needs love and care!
Victoria: Pack your bags and leave by five o'clock today!
Elena gripped the toddler tighter, refusing to flinch under the harsh glare.
She knew that leaving would leave Leo completely unprotected in this giant mansion.
Suddenly, the heavy front double doors swung open with a dramatic thud.
David Vanderbilt stepped inside, carrying his heavy leather briefcase.
His flight to New York had been canceled due to sudden unexpected bad weather.
He stopped immediately as the sound of weeping reached his ears.
He saw his young wife towering over the maid and his crying child.
David set his briefcase on the table with a fast, heavy motion.
His footsteps echoed loudly as he crossed the vast marble hallway.
David: What on earth is happening here?
Victoria turned quickly, her expression shifting instantly into a sweet, worried smile.
Victoria: Oh, darling, you came back so early!
David: Answer my question, Victoria!
Victoria: The maid dropped Leo and made him cry, so I was scolding her!
Elena looked up, her tear-stained face revealing the dark bruise beneath her eye.
Elena: That is not what happened, Mr. Vanderbilt!
David dropped to his knees right beside the young housemaid.
He reached out and gently took his trembling son into his arms.
Leo clung tightly to his father's tailored grey suit jacket.
Baby Leo: Daddy, she hurt me...
The short sentence cut through the air like a sharp glass blade.
David felt his blood turn to pure ice in his veins.