Clara lay on her side, her chest rising and falling in rapid, shallow breaths. The pain in her ribs was sharp, but the fear racing through her heart was even worse. Maria immediately dropped to her knees beside Clara, her hands trembling as she gently checked the young woman for any new injuries. Tears welled in the old servant's eyes as she saw the sheer terror painted across Clara's bruised face. She reached out and smoothed Clara's messy hair back from her forehead, whispering soft words of comfort while keeping a watchful eye on Eleanor.
Maria: I am so sorry, Miss Clara. Are you hurt? Please speak to me.
Clara: I am... okay, Maria. Thank you for stopping her.
Maria: I will not let her harm you. God as my witness, I will protect you.
Eleanor: You stupid, clumsy old woman! Look what you have done to this room!
Maria: You were trying to poison her, Mrs. Vance! I saw what you were doing!
Eleanor: Keep your mouth shut if you want to keep your job and your freedom!
Eleanor stepped forward, her high heels clicking loudly against the hardwood border of the study floor. She looked down at the legal papers scattered around Clara’s fallen body with intense frustration. She had spent months preparing this plan, waiting for the perfect opportunity while Clara’s father was away in London attending urgent corporate board meetings. Eleanor knew that if she could force Clara to sign the estate power of attorney now, the entire family fortune would belong to her before anyone could ask questions.
Maria stood up slowly, positioning her body directly between Eleanor and Clara. Though she was a simple house worker facing a wealthy and powerful woman, her courage did not shake. She pointed a shaking finger at Eleanor's face, her voice loud and firm inside the bright white study. Maria knew the truth about the car crash that had injured Clara two weeks ago, and she was no longer afraid to speak up to protect the girl she had raised like her own daughter.
Maria: You think money gives you the right to ruin people, Eleanor.
Eleanor: You are a hired maid. You hold no power in this house.
Maria: I hold the truth. And the police will love to hear it.
Eleanor: Try calling them and I will ensure you end up behind bars for assault.
Maria: My cousin saw your car near the mechanic shop before Clara's accident.
Eleanor: That is a complete lie and you cannot prove a single word!
Clara’s heart pounded violently against her ribs as she listened to the intense argument above her head. The words echoed in her mind, sending a deep chill straight down her spine. The car crash had not been a simple road accident on a slick highway after all. Her brake lines had failed suddenly on a steep hill, sending her vehicle spinning out of control into a concrete barrier. She had spent two weeks believing it was bad luck, but now the horrible reality was becoming crystal clear in her mind.
Eleanor stepped on one of the legal papers, her sharp heel tearing through the thick parchment. She reached down and snatched up the remaining pages from the floor, clutching them tight against her chest like a prized trophy. Her face was red with anger, her dark eyes flashing with pure hatred toward the loyal servant standing in her way. She knew she had lost control of the moment, but she was far too ruthless to walk away without finishing what she had started in the quiet study.