The bright morning sun streamed through the towering windows of the Sterling mansion, illuminating the polished light marble floors of the grand foyer. An American flag hung proudly on the white wall, catching the cool draft from the front entrance. Standing near the marble archway, Chloe smoothed down her expensive gold satin gown, her face twisted in pure disgust as she glared at an elderly maid in a simple black uniform and thick, black-framed glasses.
Chloe: You missed a spot on the baseboard, old woman! Do you need stronger glasses, or are you just lazy?
Margaret: I have cleaned this foyer every morning for twenty years, Miss Chloe. The baseboard is spotless.
Chloe: Don't you dare talk back to me! I am marrying Daniel next month, which makes me the mistress of this entire estate!
Margaret: You are a guest in this house until the wedding papers are signed, child.
Chloe: A guest? I run this mansion now!
Without warning, Chloe snatched a heavy metal bucket filled with ice-cold soapy water from the cleaning cart. With a cruel, mocking laugh, she swung her arms forward and splashed the water directly onto the elderly maid's face and chest.
The cold impact knocked the breath from the older woman, soaking her black uniform and sending her wire-rimmed glasses sliding down her nose. Water dripped onto the white marble floor, pooling around her worn shoes.
Chloe: You look disgusting! Now clean up this floor before I have security throw you out into the street!
The elderly maid didn't scream or cry. She slowly lifted a trembling, wet hand and wiped the soapy water from her eyes. Reaching into the deep pocket of her soaked apron, her fingers closed around a sleek smartphone. She tapped the screen with practiced ease and brought the device to her ear.
Margaret: Daniel, would you come downstairs?
Chloe: Who are you calling? You think the manager cares about a worthless servant?
Heavy, rapid footsteps echoed from the top of the grand curved staircase. Daniel Sterling, dressed in a sharp dark navy blue suit with a small American flag patch pinned to his lapel, came rushing down the marble steps. His eyes burned with concern as he scanned the foyer, but before he could reach the bottom, Chloe put on a dramatic, panicked expression and ran straight toward him.
Chloe: Darling! Thank goodness you're here! This old maid threatened me!
The older woman stood perfectly still under the bright daylight. Slowly, calmly, she reached up with both hands, removing her grey wig and black-framed glasses to reveal her true face to the room, setting off a confrontation that would shatter Chloe's greed forever.