Downstairs in the main hallway, Victoria was still berating Sophia, who was standing near the base of the white staircase. Sophia was crying hysterically now, tears streaming down her freckled face under the bright high-key daylight beaming through the window. She was clutching her small silver locket tightly with one hand while holding a dustpan full of broken china in the other. Victoria stood inches away, holding her baby tightly while her face contorted with anger and arrogance toward the girl.
Victoria: You are fired as of this very second! Pack your trash and get out of my house!
Sophia: Please, ma'am, I have nowhere else to go and I need this job to live!
Victoria: I do not care where you go! You are an incompetent servant who does not belong here!
Arthur: That is enough, Victoria! Step away from her right now!
Arthur's deep voice echoed through the grand foyer like thunder, startling both women as he walked down the marble stairs. Victoria turned around, expecting her husband to support her authority as mistress of the household in front of the staff. Instead, she saw Arthur's face filled with intense disgust and determination as he ignored her completely and walked past. He stepped directly over to Sophia, stepping between her and his furious wife without hesitation or fear of scene.
Arthur reached out with gentle hands, placing them softly on Sophia's shaking shoulders before pulling her into a warm embrace. Sophia froze in complete shock, unused to any kindness from the master of the house, let alone a comforting hug. She sobbed softly into his shoulder as gentle orchestral music seemed to swell within the sudden quiet of the home. Arthur stroked her hair gently, holding her tightly like a father holding a long-lost treasure he thought was gone forever.
Victoria: What are you doing, Arthur? Why are you holding that filthy girl in your arms?
Arthur: Mind your tongue, Victoria, before you say something you will regret for the rest of your life.
Victoria: She ruined my morning, broke expensive porcelain, and put her dirty hands on our precious son!
Arthur: She saved our son from being burned because you were too busy showing off to pay attention!
Arthur turned around while keeping one protective arm wrapped securely around Sophia's shaking shoulders, facing his shocked wife head-on. He looked down at Victoria with cold, stern eyes that made her step back slightly against the hardwood oak floor. The remaining staff members gathered quietly in the doorway, watching the dramatic confrontation unfold with wide, stunned eyes in silence.
Arthur: This child is my lost daughter, and the rightful heir to this entire estate.
Victoria opened her mouth wide in utter shock and panic, gasping dramatically as her eyes opened wide with disbelief. She stood paralyzed on the polished floor holding the baby, her face turning completely pale as the truth hit her. Arthur reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out the old birth certificate alongside the medical records of the birthmark. He held them out clearly so Victoria could see the official state stamps and undeniable proof of his words.