Inside the grand study, the cold air conditioning made Maria shiver even harder as she stood near the leather sofa.
Brandon wrapped Leo in a thick plush towel, gently drying the baby's wet hair while holding him close on his lap.
Brandon: "Victoria, go upstairs and grab a dry onesie from the nursery drawer."
Victoria: "Why should I act as a servant when you have a maid standing right here?"
Brandon: "Just go get the clothes, Victoria! Do not argue with me right now!"
Victoria huffed, her gold dress rustling loudly as she turned and strutted out of the study toward the grand staircase.
Brandon waited until her footsteps faded down the hallway before turning his eyes to Maria.
Brandon: "Maria, I want you to tell me exactly what happened out there. Step by step."
Maria: "I was in the kitchen washing the lunch dishes, Mr. Brandon. I looked through the patio glass and saw Miss Victoria standing right next to the stroller."
Brandon: "Was anyone else out there with her?"
Maria: "No, sir. Just her and the baby. She looked around the yard, and then she used both hands to push the stroller forward."
Brandon: "She pushed it deliberately?"
Maria: "Yes, sir! It didn't roll on its own. The safety brake was locked when I put him out there for his fresh air!"
Brandon closed his eyes, leaning his head back against the leather executive chair as a heavy silence filled the room.
Maria: "Sir... I know Miss Victoria is your fiancee, but she has hated little Leo ever since you brought her to live here."
Brandon: "Why didn't you come to me sooner if you felt she disliked my son?"
Maria: "I tried, Mr. Brandon! But every time I speak up, she tells you I am incompetent or stealing from the estate!"
Brandon: "She told me you were jealous of her position as the new lady of the house."
Maria: "I don't care about money or status, sir! I cared for your late wife, Mrs. Clara, when she was sick in hospital! I promised her I would protect her baby!"
Brandon's eyes snapped open at the mention of his late wife's name, a flicker of pain crossing his face.
Brandon: "Clara trusted you with her life, Maria. That is the only reason I haven't called the sheriff yet."
Victoria walked back into the study, tossing a blue cotton onesie onto the mahogany desk with an annoyed sigh.
Victoria: "Here are his clothes. Now, have you finished interviewing the attempted murderer?"
Brandon: "Watch your mouth, Victoria. We haven't established what happened yet."
Victoria: "What is there to establish?! I saw her push the stroller! My word as your future wife should be enough!"
Brandon: "Your word is an assertion, Victoria. In a court of law, we need facts."
Victoria: "Court of law?! Are you seriously treating me like a suspect in your little investigation?!"
Brandon: "I treat everyone like a suspect when my son's life is put in danger."
Victoria narrowed her eyes, stepping closer to Brandon's desk with her hands on her hips.
Victoria: "If you don't fire this woman and hand her over to the police right now, I am packing my bags and calling my father's legal team!"
Brandon: "Is that a threat, Victoria?"
Victoria: "It's a promise, Brandon! You choose right now: your loyal fiancee or a lying, dangerous servant!"