Elena dropped to her knees on the hard floor, holding her jagged, uneven hair with trembling fingers. Cold tears spilled down her pale cheeks as she curled her body inward to shield her belly from any further harm. The surrounding guests gasped in horror, whispering among themselves, but no one stepped forward to challenge the powerful judge's daughter. Valeria stood tall over the weeping maid, holding the sharp metal scissors in one hand while a smug, satisfied smile crossed her face.
Valeria: That looks much better. Now you look like the pathetic servant you truly are.
Suddenly, the heavy double doors at the front entrance burst open with a loud thud that shook the wooden frames. Daniel Sterling, the young executive owner of the estate, ran frantically into the hall, his dark suit jacket flying open as he sprinted through the crowd. He had heard the frantic screaming all the way from his study upstairs, and his face was twisted with intense worry. His eyes landed immediately on Elena sobbing on the floor, and then shifted to Valeria holding the bloodless scissors.
Daniel: WHAT ARE YOU DOING? LET GO OF HER!
Valeria: Daniel... your maid forgot her place, so I merely gave her a little adjustment.
Daniel: VALERIA!
Daniel closed the distance between them in two massive strides, his face pale with unbelievable rage. Before Valeria could offer another arrogant explanation, Daniel swung his open hand around in a swift, powerful arc. A sharp, thunderous slap echoed off the high walls, cutting through the murmurs of the crowd like a gunshot. Valeria's head snapped to the side, her golden hair flying messy across her face as she stumbled backward against the wooden table. The brass scissors slipped from her frozen fingers and clattered noisily onto the floor.
Valeria gasped loudly, bringing her hand up to press against her red, swelling cheek in total, stunned disbelief. She stared at Daniel with wide, terrified eyes, completely unaccustomed to anyone ever standing up to her dramatic cruelty.
Valeria: You... you struck me? Over a cheap maid?
Daniel: GET OUT OF MY HOUSE!
Valeria: Daniel, think about what you are doing! My father will destroy your business deal if you throw me out!
Daniel: I do not care about your father or his money! Get out before I have the police arrest you for assault!
Valeria looked around the room, realizing that every wealthy guest was staring at her with disgust and shock instead of pity. Realizing she had lost control of the moment, she grabbed her designer bag, turned on her high heels, and stormed out the front doors, letting them slam loudly behind her. The room fell completely silent, save for the quiet, ragged breath of Elena still kneeling on the marble.
Daniel dropped to his knees immediately, ignoring his expensive tailored pants touching the dirty floor. He reached out with soft, trembling hands, tenderly wrapping his arms around Elena's shoulders to draw her close. He could feel her whole body shaking violently as she sobbed against his chest, her hands still clutching her baby bump protectively.
Daniel: It's okay, Elena... I've got you. I swear nobody will ever hurt you in this house again.
Elena: My hair... my baby... I was so scared, Mr. Sterling...
Daniel: Shh, do not worry about anything. You are safe now. Let me help you up.
He lifted her gently, supporting her full weight as he guided her toward a soft velvet sofa near the fireplace. The gathering guests began to clear out slowly, murmuring about the incredible scene they had just witnessed, leaving Daniel alone with the frightened woman who meant far more to him than anyone in the city realized.