Richard carried Clara out of the library and walked straight into his private office space.
He set the toddler down on a plush leather sofa near a warm lamp.
Sarah followed closely behind, clutching her hands together in deep worry for their future.
Master Richard: Sarah, how long has my wife been treating you and the staff like this?
Sarah: Ever since you started traveling for your new company expansion six months ago, sir.
Master Richard: Has she been withholding your weekly pay checks like she threatened today?
Sarah: She cut our pay in half, sir. She said you approved the budget reduction.
Master Richard: I never approved any budget reduction for household salaries!
Richard pulled open his top desk drawer and pulled out a stack of financial ledger books.
He flipped through the recent monthly accounting sheets with growing dread in his heart.
Thousands of dollars meant for staff payroll had been diverted directly into Victoria's personal account.
She was stealing from the very people who kept their home running every single day.
Sarah: We were too afraid to say anything because she said you would destroy our references.
Master Richard: I am so sorry, Sarah. You and Clara will never be unsafe here again.
Footsteps echoed outside the office door as Victoria marched into the doorway with confidence.
Victoria: Stop filling his head with lies, Sarah! Pack your things and leave this instant!
Master Richard: The only person packing their things today is you, Victoria.