Richard Sterling stepped into the grand foyer holding his leather briefcase.
He had forgotten an important folder for his morning business presentation downtown.
He froze near the entrance, taking in the chaotic scene before him.
His fiancée stood with a flushed face and wild, angry eyes.
His child was weeping loudly in the arms of the frantic housemaid.
Richard: What is going on in here right now?
Ethan immediately changed her facial expression from anger to fake innocence.
She wiped a non-existent tear from her eye and took a step toward Richard.
Ethan: Oh Richard, thank goodness you came back! This maid went completely crazy!
Sarah: That is a complete lie, Mr. Sterling!
Ethan: She attacked me out of nowhere while I was ironing my gala dress!
Sarah: Sir, she threatened your son with a hot iron!
Richard gasped in shock, looking back and forth between the two women.
He set his heavy briefcase on the floor and walked quickly into the room.
His eyes landed on little Leo, who was still shaking with deep fear.
Richard: Ethan, is this true? What were you doing with that iron?
Ethan: Of course it is not true! Why would you listen to hired help?
Ethan: She dropped the iron herself and is trying to blame me!
Sarah stepped forward, holding Leo safely against her chest.
She pointed toward the red mark on the toddler's skin near his shoulder.
Sarah: Look at his shoulder, sir! He was terrified for his life!
Ethan: The child tripped over his own toys! She is making up stories!
Richard looked down at his crying son and saw the mark clearly.
A dark shadow of realization and anger washed over his handsome face.
He realized that the peaceful life he imagined was built on lies.