Julian pushed open the double doors and stepped into the bustling mansion ballroom.
He wore a tailored navy blue tuxedo that fit his tall frame perfectly.
He had just returned from three long years at law school in Boston.
He had come back home to attend his family's annual charity gala event.
Julian looked around the room, expecting to see a peaceful family celebration.
Instead, he noticed a crowd gathered near the center of the polished floor.
A heavy silence fell across that corner of the room as people watched.
Julian: What is everyone looking at over by the main display?
He adjusted his silk bow tie and walked toward the quiet circle of guests.
His stomach tightened as he recognized his younger sister's red sequin gown.
Victoria was holding her leg raised while standing over a kneeling maid.
Julian stopped in his tracks, feeling a sudden wave of shock wash over him.
Victoria: Keep scrubbing, Sarah, until I can see my reflection in that heel!
Sarah was kneeling in her dark maid uniform, wiping the silver heel carefully.
Her shoulders were shaking as she fought to keep her composure together.
Julian recognized Sarah's face from the photos he kept on his wooden desk.
They had known each other as young children before he left for college.
Sarah's mother had been the estate manager for over twenty long years.
Sarah: Please... don't make me do this in front of everyone.
Victoria: You will do whatever I command you to do in this house!
Victoria raised her voice loudly so every guest in the room could hear.
She looked around the ballroom to see if her friends were laughing along.
Julian felt an overwhelming surge of anger building up inside his chest.
He could not believe his own sister was treating an employee so terribly.
Julian: Victoria, what on earth are you doing to her right now?
Victoria did not hear her brother calling out from behind the dense crowd.
She leaned closer to Sarah with an arrogant smile across her painted lips.
Victoria: You think you are special because my brother used to talk to you?
Sarah: I am just doing my job, Miss Victoria, please let me stand up.
Victoria: You don't get to stand up until I say you are finished!
Victoria lifted her right hand high into the air with sudden force.
The heavy gold bracelet on her wrist clinked loudly against her manicured fingernails.
The crowd gasped as Victoria prepared to slap Sarah across the face.
Sarah looked up into Victoria's angry eyes with sudden, unshakeable courage.