Two hours passed slowly as Elena waited near the front entrance doors alone.
She held a small damp cloth, pretending to wipe down the lower wall trim.
Every shadow on the driveway made her heart leap with hope and anxiety.
Nora walked back into the foyer, holding a set of legal papers in her hand.
She looked stressed because the estate accountant had called her earlier that day.
Richard had asked for a full financial audit of the house expense accounts.
Nora had been transferring large sums of money to her private personal account.
She knew that when Richard reviewed the files, her scheme would be completely exposed.
She needed to control Elena completely so the child wouldn't share additional details.
Nora stepped right up to the kneeling girl on the marble surface floor.
Nora: Why is this lower wooden trim still covered in dust marks?
Elena: I just cleaned it, Aunt Nora, it is completely spotless now.
Nora: Are you talking back to me again after what happened earlier today?
Nora snatched the damp cloth right out of Elena's small trembling hand frame.
She tossed the dirty rag straight into Elena's face with complete disdain and contempt.
Nora: Get on your hands and knees and scrub this whole hallway again!
Elena: No, I won't let you bully me anymore while my dad is away!
Elena stood up tall and took a firm step back from her stepmother.
Nora's face contorted with anger as she raised her right hand high in anger.
She shoved Elena hard against the wall, causing the girl to cry out softly.
Elena fell back onto the cold marble, her knees scraping against the hard tile.
Nora: You will do as you are told in this house, you ungrateful brat!
Elena: You are mean, and my dad is going to take her ring back!
Nora lunged forward to grab Elena's arm and force her back down to work.
She grabbed the girl's collar rough, threatening to lock her in the dark cellar.
Elena screamed out for help, hoping someone near the property gates could hear.
Suddenly, the sound of heavy tires echoed loudly across the long front driveway outside.
A sleek black SUV pulled up right near the grand front entrance steps.
Nora froze in place, her hand still holding Elena's collar tightly near the floor.
She tried to quickly smooth down her dress and pretend everything was totally calm.
Elena pulled away and scrambled toward the heavy double oak front doors instantly.
The moment of truth had finally arrived for everyone inside the Dallas mansion.