Mark Sterling stepped into the grand entryway carrying his leather briefcase.
He was a powerful business owner who cared deeply for his daughter.
The heavy doors slammed shut behind him with a loud boom.
He stopped instantly when he heard his child weeping upstairs.
Mark: What on earth is happening up there?!
Mark dropped his leather briefcase onto the polished floor.
He rushed into the center of the large foyer with panic in his eyes.
He looked up toward the second story landing in complete shock.
Sarah was sitting on the floor cradling little Lily in her arms.
Elena stood right above them with a red, angry face.
Mark: How could this be happening in my home?!
Mark screamed as his voice echoed across the tall walls.
Sarah held the crying child tight and pointed up at Elena.
Sarah: She tried to hurt your little girl, sir!
Elena: That is a complete lie from a low class maid!
Elena shouted as she hurried down the stairs toward her husband.
Her green silk dress rustled loudly with every hurried step she took.
Elena: Mark, darling, she is trying to frame me!
Mark stood near the American flag hanging beside the front hallway.
His face was red with intense anger and disbelief.
Mark: Don't you dare lie to my face, Elena!
Mark pointed his finger directly at his wife's face.
Elena stopped in her tracks and gasped in utter shock.
She held her breath as Mark stepped uncomfortably close to her.
Elena: You must trust your wife over a simple servant!
Mark: My daughter is terrified and crying in Sarah's arms!
Mark slammed his hand hard against the thick wooden handrail.
The loud sound echoed through the entire mansion like thunder.
Elena flinched backward and held her hand over her heart.
Mark: Get out of my house immediately!
His voice was deep and filled with cold authority.
Elena stared at him with wide, disbelieving eyes.
Elena: You cannot throw me out over an accusation!
Mark: I can and I will protect my family from you!
Sarah brought little Lily carefully down the marble stairs.
The small girl hid her wet face against Sarah's neck.
Mark looked at his daughter with deep grief in his eyes.
Mark: Sarah, take Lily into the kitchen right now.
Sarah: Yes, Mr. Sterling, right away sir.
Sarah walked quickly away from the heated confrontation.
Elena watched them leave while her jaw remained tight.
Elena: You will regret treating me like this, Mark!