Richard Vance stood framed by the heavy dark oak doorway frame.
His face hardened instantly as he observed the scene before him.
He saw Elena kneeling amidst broken glass on the cold floor.
He saw Victoria pointing her finger down in complete fury.
The tension in the grand foyer became instantly heavy and silent.
Richard walked quickly across the room toward the two women.
His black dress shoes clicked sharply against the wet marble stone.
Victoria turned to face him with a fake look of distress.
Victoria: Richard, darling, look at what this terrible girl did!
Victoria: She attacked me and ruined my expensive designer dress!
Richard looked down at Elena’s trembling hand on the floor.
He noticed the clear mark left on her shoe by Victoria’s heel.
Richard: Is that what really happened here just now, Victoria?
Victoria: Of course it is, she is completely out of control!
Elena stayed completely quiet as tears rolled down her cheeks slowly.
She was terrified that she would lose her only source of income.
Richard extended his hand down toward Elena on the floor.
Richard: Get up off the floor, Elena, please.
Elena looked up in complete shock at his gentle gesture.
Victoria gasped loudly in total disbelief at her husband's actions.
Victoria: What are you doing helping a servant up like that?
Richard: I am doing what any decent human being should do.
Elena carefully took Richard’s hand and stood up on her feet.
She wiped away her tears with the sleeve of her uniform.
Richard turned his glare directly toward his furious wife Victoria.
Richard: I saw what you did through the mirror reflection outside.
Victoria’s face turned pale as her confidence vanished in an instant.
Victoria: You... you were watching from the hallway entrance?
Richard: I saw you step on her foot on purpose, Victoria.
Richard: You will never disrespect her again in this house!
Victoria felt a rush of embarrassment fill her entire face.
Victoria: You are taking her side over your own wedded wife?
Richard: I am taking the side of truth and basic human respect.
Elena stood frozen in place, amazed by Richard’s strong defense.
No one in this house had ever stood up to Victoria before.
Victoria folded her arms tightly across her gold sequin gown.
Victoria: You will regret talking to me like this, Richard!
Richard: No, Victoria, you are the one who will regret everything.