Elena stood frozen as Lily took a curious step closer to the safe.
The little girl was completely innocent, not understanding the danger of the moment.
Elena glanced back at the open safe door where the envelope remained visible.
She knew that if Victoria found that envelope, her entire plan would fall apart.
Panic quickly morphed into dark hostility across the maid's tight face.
She turned toward the wall where a small red fire extinguisher hung mounted.
Elena grabbed the heavy metal canister off the bracket with sudden force.
Lily gasped and backed away, sensing the sudden change in the atmosphere.
Lily: Miss Elena, you are scaring me!
Elena did not answer with words as she raised the safety nozzle higher.
She squeezed the trigger handle tightly, unleashing a harsh blast of pressure.
White chemical powder sprayed directly forward with a loud, violent hiss.
The cloud hit the air, coating the surrounding hallway in thick white dust.
Lily covered her face with her tiny hands and began to cry loudly.
The powder covered her rainbow dress, her dark hair, and her small shoulders.
Elena stepped forward through the settling haze, her own clothes dusted in white.
She leaned down toward the weeping child, her voice dropping to a harsh whisper.
Elena: Say one word to your mother and you will regret it!
Lily sobbed harder, clutching her knees in absolute fear and confusion.
The maid stood over her like a shadow, trying to intimidate the innocent girl.
She believed she could scare the child into total and complete silence.
She had no idea that someone else was already coming up the stairs.