The grand ballroom filled with wealthy guests wearing expensive suits and silk dresses.
Soft light from giant crystal chandeliers bounced off the polished marble floor.
Waiters moved carefully through the crowd carrying trays of silver champagne glasses.
Elena adjusted her plain gray uniform and kept her head held low.
She had worked for the rich Sterling family for three hard years.
Her salary helped pay for her younger brother's expensive medical bills.
She never complained about the long hours or the tired feeling in her feet.
Elena: Excuse me, sir, let me clear that empty glass.
Arthur: Thank you, Elena, you always work so very hard.
Arthur Sterling was the wealthy head of the famous Sterling Real Estate company.
He was a strict man, but he always treated the house staff with quiet respect.
His stepdaughter Victoria was standing near the center of the big room.
She wore a bright gold sequin dress that sparkled under the warm lights.
Victoria hated Elena because Arthur often praised the young maid's honest work ethic.
Victoria: Bring more red wine to the main table right now!
Elena: Yes, Miss Victoria, I will bring it right away.
Elena turned around quickly to head toward the main kitchen doors.
Victoria stepped forward slightly and bumped hard into Elena's side.
A few drops of cold water spilled onto the expensive gold sequins.
Victoria gasped loudly and pointed her long red fingernail at the quiet maid.
Victoria: You stupid girl, you completely ruined my custom designer dress!
Elena: I am so sorry, Miss Victoria, it was an accident!
The loud voice echoed across the quiet ballroom and attracted every guest's attention.
Arthur walked over slowly with a deep frown on his aged face.
Arthur: What is all this noise about during our charity gala?
Victoria: Look what this clumsy maid just did to my entire outfit!
Elena kept her eyes on the floor and squeezed her small hands tightly.
She knew arguing with Victoria would only get her fired immediately.
She needed this job to pay for the upcoming hospital bills next week.
The heavy air in the room grew very cold and uncomfortable.