The bright chandeliers in the grand hotel hallway shimmered against the polished marble floor.
Elena adjusted her blue maid uniform as she pulled her heavy cleaning cart down the long corridor.
Her back ached from the long morning shift.
She placed a gentle hand over her bump and took a deep breath to steady herself.
She was six months pregnant and worked extra hours every week to save money for her baby.
The quiet morning shattered when a door slammed open down the hall.
Victoria stepped into the corridor wearing a red designer dress and high heels.
She dropped her silk scarf onto the floor by accident.
Elena noticed the falling scarf and immediately stepped forward to help.
She picked up the delicate red fabric with careful hands.
"Excuse me, ma'am, you dropped this," Elena said gently.
Victoria turned around and looked at Elena with pure disgust.
"Do not touch my things with your dirty hands!" Victoria shouted loudly.
Elena stepped back quickly in total shock.
"I was only trying to hand it back to you, ma'am," Elena explained softy.
"You probably tried to slip it into your apron pocket!" Victoria spat out bitterly.
"I would never steal anything from a guest," Elena replied firmly.
Victoria stepped closer and raised her voice until it echoed off the high walls.
"Get out of my sight before I have you fired on the spot!" Victoria yelled angrily.
Elena felt tears sting her eyes as she held her stomach protection.
She had worked at the luxury hotel for three years without a single complaint.
She needed this job to pay her rent and save for the nursery.
"Please, leave me alone, I just want to finish my work," Elena pleaded softly.
"You do not tell me what to do!" Victoria shouted back.
Footsteps echoed rapidly from the main lobby down the quiet hallway.
Arthur hurried around the corner in his tailored dark suit.
He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw the emotional confrontation unfolding.
His face turned pale as his eyes locked onto Elena.
"What is going on out here?" Arthur demanded in a stern voice.
Victoria instantly changed her tone and turned toward Arthur with a fake smile.
"Arthur, thank goodness you are here," Victoria said quickly.
"This lazy maid was being rude and trying to steal my belongings," Victoria lied without hesitating.
Arthur did not look at Victoria.
He kept his eyes glued to Elena, who was wiping tears from her cheeks.
"Is that true, Elena?" Arthur asked quietly.
"No, sir, I was just returning her scarf," Elena whispered back.
Victoria stepped toward Elena again with an angry glare.
"Do not lie to my fiancé!" Victoria sneered.
Arthur moved fast and stepped directly between the two women.
He blocked Victoria from getting any closer to Elena.
"Don't touch her again!" Arthur commanded forcefully.
Victoria gasped loudly and stared at Arthur in complete disbelief.
"Arthur, why are you talking to me like that over a maid?" Victoria asked sharply.
Arthur dropped to his knees right on the cold marble floor beside Elena.
He reached out and gently supported her hands.
"Are you okay, Elena?" Arthur asked with deep concern in his eyes.
"I am fine, Arthur, just shaken up," Elena answered quietly.
Victoria stepped back, her jaw dropping open in utter shock.
"You're protecting her?!" Victoria screamed angrily.
Arthur slowly stood up and turned around to face Victoria with cold fury.
"She is not just a maid, Victoria," Arthur stated coldly.
"She is the owner of this entire hotel chain."