Marcus Sterling stepped through the open double doors with a dark expression.
He carried a heavy black leather briefcase in his right hand.
He was supposed to be in Chicago for two more full days.
His sharp leather shoes clicked loudly against the wet marble floor.
He stopped near the doorway and scanned the chaotic scene in silence.
He saw the spilled water bucket overturned on the expensive marble floor.
He saw his elderly mother resting shaken against the velvet sofa cushions.
He saw the two maids standing protectively in front of his mother.
Then his eyes locked onto Victoria holding his mother's silver cane.
Victoria quickly hid the cane behind her back with a fake smile.
Victoria: Darling! You came back home early from your big trip!
Marcus: Why is my mother crying on the sofa, Victoria?
Victoria: She had a small dizzy spell and slipped on the floor!
Evelyn: That is not the truth, Marcus! She pushed me down!
Marcus walked forward slowly with his face turning dark with anger.
He placed his heavy briefcase onto the side table without taking eyes off her.
Marcus: Is this how you run my home while I am away?
Victoria: These maids are lying to you because I caught them stealing!
Clara: That is a complete lie, Mr. Sterling! We never stole anything!
Brenda: She tried to force your mother to sign legal papers!
Marcus turned to look at Clara and saw her wet uniform and red hands.
He saw the deep fear and truth in both maids' eyes.
He stepped closer to Victoria until he towered over her in rage.
Marcus: Show me what you are holding behind your back right now.
Victoria: It is nothing, Marcus! Just something I picked up off the floor!
Marcus: Bring it forward right now, Victoria!
Victoria slowly pulled the heavy silver cane out from behind her back.
Marcus recognized his late father's custom walking cane in her shaking hand.
He realized his wife had used his father's memory against his mother.
A heavy silence fell over the entire grand foyer for five seconds.
Marcus breathed deeply as his jaw tightened with fierce anger.
Marcus: You lied to me about your motives from the very beginning.
Victoria: Please listen to me, Marcus! I was only trying to protect our estate!
Marcus: You were trying to rob my mother of her peace and dignity!