Elena sprinted across the polished marble floor without hesitating for a single second.
Victoria lifted the crystal heirloom higher, preparing to throw it down onto the hard tiles.
Elena: Stop right now! Do not touch that sacred family memory!
Victoria turned around with a furious glare burning across her harsh, makeup-covered face.
Victoria: How dare an insignificant waitress interfere with my personal business!
The cruel stepmother hurled the heavy crystal object down toward the marble floor with force.
Elena dove forward on her knees, sliding fast across the slick, polished surface.
She extended both hands outward just inches before the heavy glass hit the stone tiles.
The crystal object landed firmly in Elena's open palms with a sharp, echoing snap.
Elena skidded to a complete halt right beside baby Leo's blue leather stroller.
She pulled the priceless heirloom close to her chest, breathing heavily in absolute relief.
Leo let out a soft whimper, startled by the sudden loud commotion around him.
Elena immediately wrapped her arm around the stroller to comfort the frightened infant.
Elena: You are safe now, my sweet little boy.
She glared up at Victoria with tearful, furious eyes beneath the big framed flag.
Elena: What is wrong with you?! You could have ruined his entire future!
Victoria: Hand over that paper folder and crystal right now, you miserable servant!
Victoria stepped forward aggressively, raising her palm to strike the defensive housekeeper.
Elena stood her ground firmly, placing her body directly between the angry stepmother and Leo.
Elena: I will never let you harm this family's legacy or this innocent baby!
The tension inside the white ballroom reached a boiling point as rain poured outside.
Suddenly, the massive front entrance doors burst open with a booming thunderous sound.