The massive entrance hall grew completely quiet as the heavy silence hung in the air.
Sarah slowly stood up from the cold floor, still wiping away her hot tears.
Julian stepped directly into Victoria's path so she could not walk away from him.
Julian: That necklace was locked inside my private office safe this morning.
Victoria: You must be confusing it with some other cheap piece of gold!
Julian: My late wife custom designed that star pendant with our family lawyer.
Victoria laughed nervously and adjusted the straps of her loose red evening dress.
She looked around the room as if searching for a quick and easy escape route.
Victoria: You are making a huge scene in front of the house staff, Julian.
Julian: I do not care about a scene when my family inheritance is missing.
Julian turned his head slightly toward the bruised maid standing near the front door.
Julian: Sarah, did you see anyone enter my private office downstairs today?
Sarah took a deep breath and looked directly into Julian's serious dark eyes.
Sarah: I saw Mrs. Victoria open your office door with a silver key earlier.
Victoria: She is lying to save her job because she spilled that water!
Sarah: I am not lying, sir, she took a black velvet box out.
Victoria's face turned completely pale as she glared furiously at the brave young maid.
She raised her hand high in the air as if to strike Sarah again.
Julian moved fast and grabbed Victoria's wrist firmly before she could make contact.
Julian: Do not ever raise your hand against anyone in this house again.
Victoria: Let go of my arm right now, you are hurting me!
Julian: We are going up to my office immediately to inspect that safe.
Little Leo held onto Sarah's clean apron while watching the loud fight unfold silently.
The boy was crying quietly because he missed his sweet mother so very much.
Julian guided Victoria up the grand wooden staircase toward his heavy private office door.
He felt a terrible knot twisting inside his stomach with every step he took.
He had married Victoria six months ago thinking she was a kind loving woman.
Now he was beginning to see her true greedy nature right before his eyes.