The bright white marble floor of the grand entrance reflected the morning light.
Richard stepped through the tall double doors after a very long business trip.
He carried a dark leather briefcase and felt glad to be back home.
His family business was growing faster than ever during this quiet spring season.
He expected a warm welcome from his wife Victoria inside the hallway.
Instead he heard a loud noise echo down the polished marble staircase.
A heavy wooden stroller was rolling rapidly toward the dangerous top edge.
The family maid Elena rushed forward across the wide floor with great speed.
She caught the heavy stroller right at the very edge of the step.
Her quick action stopped the carriage before it could fall down below.
Richard froze near the front entrance with his breath caught in his throat.
He looked up toward the landing to see who was standing up there.
Victoria stood at the top of the stairs with a cold expression.
She gasped loudly as if she was shocked by what just took place.
Richard rushed across the polished floor toward the bottom of the grand stairs.
He looked at Elena who was holding the handles of the heavy stroller.
Her hands were shaking as she tried to catch her breath in peace.
Richard: What just happened right here near the marble stairs?
Victoria: That careless woman almost ruined our day with her extreme negligence!
Elena: I did not push anything, sir, I only ran to stop it!
Victoria: Do not lie to my husband after you almost caused a disaster!
Richard felt a deep pain in his chest as he looked at them.
He wanted to believe his wife because they had been married two years.
Yet Elena had worked for his family for nearly ten long years total.
She had always been loyal, honest, and extremely careful around his children.
Victoria walked down two steps while pointing a sharp finger toward the floor.
Her diamond ring caught the daylight coming through the giant arched windows.
Victoria: Pack your bags and leave this mansion before I call the police!
Elena: Please listen to me, Mr. Davis, I was cleaning the upper hall!
Richard: Everyone stop yelling for one moment so I can think clearly!
The heavy silence filled the wide foyer like a thick cold fog.
Richard looked down at the stroller that was now completely safe and sound.
He noticed a thin wire tied around the side bar near the wheels.
It looked like someone had deliberately placed it there to cause a slip.
His heart beat faster as a strange suspicion began to grow inside.
He looked up at Victoria who was smiling slightly behind her hand.
Something about her sudden anger felt completely planned and fake to him.
Before he could ask another question, light footsteps echoed behind the wall.