Three weeks passed, and the atmosphere inside the Vance estate grew increasingly tense.
Whenever Arthur left for his corporate boardroom meetings, Loretta transformed completely.
She stopped smiling at the domestic staff and began making harsh demands.
Maria noticed how cold Loretta was toward little Lily every single day.
One sunny morning, Arthur left early for a major real estate closing downtown.
Lily walked into the grand bright foyer carrying her favorite drawing notebook.
Loretta stood near the large framed flag wall wearing a sleek black jumpsuit.
She glared down at the little girl with pure annoyance.
Loretta: Why are you wandering around making noise down here?
Lily: I wanted to show you my drawing of our family.
Loretta snatched the notebook right out of Lily's small hands.
She flipped through the colorful pages with a disgusted expression on her face.
Loretta: This artwork is completely messy and ugly!
Loretta ripped the pages straight out and tossed them onto the floor.
Lily gasped in shock as her eyes instantly filled with big tears.
Lily: Please stop, I worked so hard on that!
Loretta: You are a spoiled little child who gets too much attention!
Loretta leaned down closely and pointed her finger aggressively at Lily's face.
Loretta: Your father will soon realize he does not need you around!
Lily began crying hysterically, clutching her blue jacket in fear.
Maria rushed out from the kitchen after hearing the loud harsh shouting.
The maid stepped directly between Loretta and the trembling little girl.
Maria: Stop, please, do not hurt her feelings like this!
Loretta: Mind your own business, you are just a hired maid!
Loretta pushed Maria's arm away roughly, causing the maid to stumble back.
Maria: Mr. Vance will hear about how you treat his daughter!
Loretta: He will never believe a servant over his future bride!
Loretta towered over Lily, screaming at her to shut her mouth immediately.
The little girl curled up against the wooden paneling, trembling in fear.
Loretta snatched Lily's favorite plush bear and threw it across the hall.
Loretta: You need to learn how to obey me right now!
Lily cried loudly, her small shoulders shaking uncontrollably in the foyer.
Maria tried to reach for the child, but Loretta blocked her path.
Loretta: Touch her and I will have you fired by sunset!
Maria looked toward the entrance doors, praying Arthur would return home soon.