The grand mansion hall was filled with bright morning light that reflected off the white marble floor. Giant white pillars stretched toward the high ceiling, making the house feel like a palace for royalty. But the beauty of the room was completely shattered by the sudden sound of violence echoing through the long corridors.
Victoria Vance, dressed in a sweeping red silk dress, stood in the center of the hall with her eyes wide with cold rage. She was the daughter of a prominent local businessman who thought her family name gave her permission to treat anyone like dust. In front of her stood Della, a pregnant housemaid wearing a simple blue uniform, trembling as she clutched a dirty silver tray.
Without a single second of hesitation, Victoria stepped forward and shoved Della violently toward the wall. Della stumbled backward, losing her balance completely under the force of the sudden attack. Her back slammed hard against a massive ornate wall mirror, sending terrifying shockwaves through the silver frame.
The heavy glass shattered instantly into hundreds of sharp pieces that rained down onto the hard marble floor. The sound echoed like thunder through the empty house, signaling the tragic end of peace in the Vance household. Della fell to her knees among the glittering shards, gasping for air while clutching her pregnant stomach with both hands.
Victoria did not show a single ounce of regret as she looked down at the bleeding maid. Instead, she smoothed out her red dress with her manicured fingers and pointed a long fingernail directly at Della. Her voice carried a terrible chill that made the air in the hall feel freezing cold.
Victoria: This is what happens when servants forget their place!
Della looked up through a wall of hot tears, her arm burning where sharp glass had cut into her soft skin. The pain in her body was nothing compared to the terrifying fear she felt for her unborn child. She huddled on the floor, trying her best to cover her stomach from any more incoming danger.
Della: My baby, please! Don't hurt my baby!
Victoria raised her hand again, ready to deliver another cruel strike to teach the quiet maid a lesson about authority. She truly believed that her money made her completely untouchable in this town. But before her hand could come down, heavy footsteps came rushing down the polished hallway from the main entryway.
Julian Vance rushed into the room, his dark suit jacket flying open as he took long, urgent strides across the floor. He was the young CEO of Vance Enterprises and the rightful owner of the massive estate. His handsome face was twisted in deep fury as he witnessed the terrible scene unfolding before him.
Julian: Let her go right now!
Victoria turned around slowly, her face filled with absolute defiance as she sneered at the man who had dared to shout at her. She adjusted her diamond necklace and scoffed, completely unaware of the massive storm that was about to break over her head.
Victoria: Who are you to interrupt me while I discipline the staff?!
Julian did not even waste a single breath answering her foolish question. He dropped to his knees beside the weeping maid on the cold floor, placing a firm, protective hand on her trembling shoulder. His voice instantly changed from sharp anger to gentle warmth as he checked her for injuries.
Julian: Sit slowly, Della. Don't try to stand up yet. You are safe now.