Arthur adjusted his silk tie as he pulled his dark luxury sedan into the long driveway.
He had finished his overseas corporate negotiations two full days ahead of schedule.
The massive stone mansion stood quiet under the warm afternoon sun.
Arthur grabbed his heavy leather briefcase from the passenger seat with a tired smile.
He looked forward to surprising his teenage daughter Lily with good news about her college fund.
He walked up the wide marble steps and unlocked the grand front door.
The foyer felt oddly cold despite the bright sunlight streaming through the stained glass windows.
A strange scrubbing sound echoed off the high polished walls.
Arthur: Hello? Is anyone home right now?
Arthur dropped his key ring onto the entry table with a sharp metallic clatter.
He rounded the hallway corner and froze instantly in his tracks.
A young girl was kneeling on the cold white marble floor in worn clothes.
She held a coarse bucket and a wet rag, wiping soapy water from the tiles.
Arthur felt his chest tighten as he recognized the golden hair of his daughter.
Arthur: Lily? What on earth are you doing down there?
The girl gasped loudly and wiped tears from her red eyes.
Lily: Dad... you were not supposed to come back until late Friday night.
Arthur immediately rushed forward and dropped his leather briefcase onto the floor.
He reached out to grab his daughter's hands and pulled her up.
Her hands were red and raw from the cold harsh cleaning soap.
Arthur: Why are you wearing a maid outfit in our own home?
Lily: Victoria told me I had to clean every hallway before dinner.
Arthur felt a surge of cold fury rise inside his chest.
He stepped in front of his daughter and looked toward the upper staircase landing.
Slow footsteps sounded along the wooden railing above the grand entrance.
Victoria appeared at the top of the stairs holding a glass of wine.
She wore an expensive red silk dress and a smug careless smile.
Victoria: Oh, darling! You came home far earlier than expected today.
Arthur: Explain this absurd situation to me right this instant, Victoria.
Victoria took a slow sip from her glass and walked down the steps.
Victoria: The girl was acting entitled, so I assigned her some helpful domestic duties.
Arthur: She is my daughter, not your personal housemaid!
Victoria: A little hard labor never hurt a spoiled child, my dear husband.
Arthur clenched his fists until his knuckles turned pale white.
Arthur: You have completely lost your mind if you think this is acceptable.
Lily: Dad, it is fine... I didn't want to make trouble for you.
Arthur turned to his daughter and held her trembling shoulders gently.
Arthur: You will never have to clean another tile in this house again.
Victoria laughed softly and leaned against the smooth wooden bannister.
Victoria: Do not soft-talk her, Arthur, she needs strict authority.
Arthur: You are finished making rules in this house, Victoria.