Clara did not argue or yell. She slowly reached into the pocket of her wet cloth apron. Her hand closed around a small black plastic device with a bright red emergency button. It was a silent panic alarm connected directly to the estate's private security system and the master bedroom intercom upstairs.
Victoria laughed, believing the wet maid was just reaching for a tissue to wipe her face. She smoothed down her red dress and tapped her foot impatiently on the damp marble floor.
Victoria: Go get a towel and start mopping this up. You are making a mess of my new foyer.
Clara pressed the red power button firmly until a soft electronic chime chimed through the small device. Then she touched a small wireless earpiece clipped behind her ear. Her voice was firm, completely devoid of fear or sadness.
Clara: Daniel, come down please.
Victoria stopped laughing. Her brows furrowed as she looked closely at the older woman. The maid spoke with a tone of authority that no ordinary servant would ever dare to use in front of a wealthy guest.
Victoria: Who are you talking to? Did you just call my fiance by his first name?
Clara: I did. And he will be here in a moment.
Victoria: How dare you! You don't call the owner of this mansion by his first name!
Before Clara could reply, heavy footsteps echoed from the top of the grand white staircase. Daniel stepped into view, wearing a tailor-made black suit and a silk tie. He was the head of a massive family investment corporation, managing a portfolio worth hundreds of millions of dollars. He looked down from the stairs and froze when he saw the puddle of soapy water on the marble floor.
Victoria's expression changed instantly. She dropped her angry sneer and put on a fake look of deep terror. She let out a loud gasp, covered her mouth, and ran toward the base of the stairs, pointing a shaking finger back at Clara.
Victoria: Darling! Oh my goodness, thank God you are here! Protect me!
Daniel: What is going on down here?
Victoria: This crazy maid lost her mind! She threw dirty water all over the floor and tried to attack me with a bucket!
Victoria squeezed her eyes shut and pretended to sob hysterically. She put her hand over her chest as if she was about to faint from the trauma.
Victoria: She threatened me, Daniel! She said I didn't deserve to be here! Fire her right now and call the police!