The morning light streamed into the grand marble hallway of the expensive family mansion.
Julian walked through the heavy front doors while holding his young son Leo's soft hand.
He had just returned home early from a very long business meeting in the city center.
Suddenly, a sharp slapping sound echoed across the high ceilings of the entire main room.
Julian stopped in his tracks and felt his heart drop straight into his cold stomach.
His new wife Victoria stood near the grand staircase wearing a very bright red gown.
On the cold polished marble floor beneath her, a young maid named Sarah was kneeling silently.
Sarah was trembling badly while holding a wet cloth against her swollen red cheek.
Victoria turned her angry face around as soon as she heard heavy footsteps approaching her.
She pointed a long manicured finger straight down at the helpless crying woman below her.
Victoria: Julian, fire her right now!
Julian took a deep step forward and squeezed his young son's hand much tighter.
Julian: What is going on here, Victoria?
Victoria: She spilled cold dirty water all over my brand new designer silk dress!
Sarah: I slipped on the wet polish, sir, it was a complete accident!
Victoria: Shut your mouth, you useless girl, you did it on pure purpose!
Julian looked down at the pale maid and saw genuine fear in her wide eyes.
He knew Sarah had worked for his family business and house for three long years.
She was always very gentle, hard-working, and extremely careful with every tiny household detail.
Before Julian could speak another word, little Leo pulled sharply on his dark jacket sleeve.
The small boy was staring directly at Victoria's exposed neck with total shock and confusion.
Young Leo: Daddy, that mean lady is wearing mommy's special gold star necklace!
Julian shifted his eyes upward immediately to look closely at Victoria's throat area.
A thick gold chain with a very unique star diamond pendant sat on her skin.
Julian felt a sudden rush of cold air leave his lungs in an instant.
That custom necklace had belonged to his late wife, who passed away two years ago.
It was a priceless family heirloom meant strictly for Leo's future trust fund inheritance.
Julian had locked that exact piece inside a heavy metal safe deep inside his office.
Julian: Stop right there, Victoria, where did you get that piece of jewelry?
Victoria quickly covered the bright gold pendant with her hand and stepped backward nervously.
Victoria: I bought it at an antique store downtown just yesterday morning, darling!
Julian: That is an absolute lie and you know it right now!