Clara stepped softly through the heavy double doors carrying a tray of clean crystal glasses.
She wore a simple black uniform with a neat white apron tied around her waist.
She had worked at the Vance mansion as a quiet maid for almost three years.
Her family lived in a small apartment on the outer edge of the city.
She worked long hours every single day to pay for her mother's medical bills.
When Clara saw Victoria leaning over Arthur with a harsh smile, her heart hurt for him.
She set the heavy silver tray down on a nearby mahogany table.
She walked over to the wheelchair without showing any fear of the wealthy guests.
Clara gently knelt down on the cold marble floor beside Arthur's right side.
The dark blue blanket covering his knees had slipped down near the footrests.
She lifted the heavy fabric with great care and folded it back over his legs.
Clara: Let me fix this blanket for you so you do not catch a cold, Mr. Vance.
Arthur: Thank you, Clara, you do not have to kneel down on the floor.
Clara: No matter what happens, sir, you still deserve real kindness and dignity from everyone.
Arthur looked down into the young maid's honest grey eyes.
He saw no pity or hidden motives in her gentle expression.
She treated him like a human being rather than a powerful boss or a useless invalid.
Victoria let out a loud and mocking laugh that echoed across the high ceiling.
Victoria: How sweet! The little house maid actually feels sorry for the broken billionaire!
Clara: He is a human being who built this house and treats his staff with respect.
Victoria: Keep your mouth shut and clean the floors like you are paid to do, girl.
Arthur: Do not speak to her like that in my house, Victoria.
Victoria: Or what, Arthur? Are you going to get up and stop me yourself?
A few guests gasped at the cruel comment floating through the bright entryway.
Richard took a small step forward as if he wanted to intervene in the fight.
However, he stayed quiet because he did not want to cause a public scene.
Victoria stepped closer to the wheelchair and tapped her foot on the marble floor.
Victoria: Look at this pair! A helpless man and his little servant girl!
Clara: Real strength is shown by how we treat people when they are struggling, ma'am.
Victoria: You know nothing about real strength or high society, you poor little maid.
Clara remained kneeling on the floor without flinching or looking away.
She gently patted the blanket one last time to make sure Arthur was comfortable.
Arthur felt a warmth in his chest that he had not felt in weeks.
He realized that the simplest person in the room possessed the greatest heart.