The grand foyer of the Dallas mansion always looked cold despite the warm sun streaming through the front glass doors.
White marble stretched across the main entryway and reflected the massive chandelier hanging high above the floor.
Sarah adjusted her simple blue uniform as she polished the delicate wooden side table near the main hallway entrance.
She had worked as a housemaid for the wealthy Sterling family for nearly two whole years without any trouble.
Seven-year-old Ethan walked slowly into the hallway while holding a small plastic toy figure in his right hand.
The quiet boy usually spent his afternoons playing quietly near the grand staircase where nobody bothered him at all.
Ethan: Sarah, can you help me find my missing book later today?
Sarah: Of course I will help you look for it right after I finish cleaning up this table.
The heavy oak doors opened suddenly and footsteps echoed sharply across the quiet polished marble floor space.
Serena stepped inside wearing a bright gold sequin gown that shimmered under the overhead lighting fixtures.
She was the young stepmother who had married into the family business only eight short months ago.
Her sharp eyes scanned the hallway instantly before locking onto the small child standing by the red carpet line.
Serena: Why are you wandering around down here when you should be up in your room studying your lessons?
Ethan: I was just asking Sarah a quick question about my storybook.
Serena: You do not need to speak with the help about anything at all, Ethan.
Serena stepped closer and grabbed the young boy roughly by his sleeve to drag him away from Sarah.
Ethan stumbled backward slightly on the slippery floor and let out a soft cry of surprise and pain.
Ethan: Stop it, please! You are hurting my arm!
Sarah stepped forward quickly without thinking twice about her own position in the household.
Sarah: Please let go of his arm, ma'am, you are squeezing him far too hard.
Serena spun around dramatically as her gold dress rustled loudly against the grand entrance walls.
Serena: Who do you think you are, you low maid?!
Sarah: I am only trying to make sure the child does not get injured today.
Serena: You do not tell me how to handle my stepson in my own home!
Serena raised her hand in anger and pushed Sarah backward into the display table near the wall.
A glass vase topped over and shattered loudly into sharp pieces across the white marble floor space.
Ethan began to weep as Sarah crouched down to protect the frightened child from the broken glass pieces.
Sarah: Come here, Ethan, step back toward the wall where it is completely safe for you.
Serena: Do not touch him or I will make sure you lose your job this very instant!
Heavy footsteps sounded from the upper floor hallway as someone hurried toward the grand open staircase.