Victoria reached out her hand toward Lily's fragile shoulder near the wooden railing.
Lily turned around suddenly and gasped when she saw her stepmother standing so close.
Lily: Stepmom Victoria, you scared me!
Victoria: You should be scared, you little brat.
Hannah: Stop right there, Mrs. Wilmoth!
Victoria: Be quiet and stick to your cleaning, Hannah!
Hannah: Step away from that railing immediately!
Victoria grabbed Lily's arm roughly, causing the child to drop her favorite toy.
Lily shrieked in terror as Victoria cornered her against the top steps.
Hannah rushed up the marble staircase three steps at a time to intervene.
She placed her body directly between Victoria and the frightened child.
Hannah: Don't you ever dare to touch her again!
Victoria: How dare an employee talk to me like that in my own house!
Hannah: You monster! How could you try to harm a helpless child?!
Victoria: Accidents happen so easily in big houses, Hannah.
Hannah: This was no accident, and you know it!
Victoria raised her hand in anger and tried to shove Hannah aside.
Hannah held her ground firmly and pushed Victoria back onto the upper hallway carpet.
The confrontation shook the quiet peacefulness of the entire estate.
Lily sobbed behind Hannah, clinging tightly to the maid's blue uniform.
Victoria straightened her green gown, her face twisting with pure fury.
She stepped closer to Hannah, whispering threats through her clenched teeth.
Victoria: My husband will fire you the second he gets back!
Hannah: He will know the truth about what you tried to do today!
Hannah pulled Lily close to her heart, protecting her from any further danger.
She guided the trembling little girl safely down the marble stairs toward the main hall.