The heavy front door clicked shut as Mark's limousine pulled away smoothly.
The cheerful warmth in Victoria's expression vanished instantly into thin air.
She turned her cold glare directly onto little Lily standing near the table.
Victoria: Stop looking like a pitiful puppy, you ungrateful girl.
Lily took a slow step backward toward the kitchen doorway.
Lily: I want my daddy to come back home right now.
Victoria: Your father works hard to buy your expensive clothes and toys.
Victoria: You will go upstairs to your room without breakfast today.
Elena walked out of the kitchen holding a silver serving tray.
She set down a fresh bowl of hot oatmeal for the child.
Elena: Ma'am, the child needs to eat before her morning school bus arrives.
Victoria spun around and stared sharply at the humble housemaid.
Victoria: Did I give you permission to speak back to me, servant?
Elena: I am only looking after the child's health, ma'am.
Victoria: You are paid to clean the floors, not to give advice.
Elena lowered her gaze to avoid unnecessary conflict with her employer.
She had observed Victoria's harsh temper during her short weeks there.
Whenever Mark was away, Victoria treated the little girl with harsh disdain.
Victoria hated that Mark spent so much money on his daughter's trust fund.
She wanted all the family wealth reserved strictly for herself.
Victoria grabbed a small box of matches from the grand marble fireplace shelf.
She walked slowly toward the table where Lily sat quietly shaking.
Victoria: If you tell your father anything, bad things will happen.
Victoria: I will burn your favorite stuffed teddy bear right in front of you.
Lily let out a soft tearful sob and covered her wet face.
Lily: Please no, not Mr. Bear! He is my best friend!
Victoria lit a single match and held the flame high in the air.
The bright flickering yellow light cast dark shadows against the white walls.
Victoria: Then you better promise to obey every rule I make here.
Elena stood near the sink with her heart pounding against her chest.
She could not stand by and watch a child suffer such terror.
She remembered her own younger sister whom she loved very dearly.
Elena wiped her hands on her clean grey apron with determination.
She made a quiet decision that would change everything in that house.