Victoria stepped forward, placing a manicured hand over her chest as her lower lip trembled with theatrical distress[cite: 5]. She leaned close to Arthur, her eyes wide and desperate as she tried to block his view of the weeping maid[cite: 5].
Victoria: She's obsessed with you! Don't listen to her lies[cite: 5]!
Arthur: Victoria, step back. I want to know why my former housekeeper is standing in my foyer in a uniform[cite: 5]!
Victoria: She was fired for theft six months ago, Arthur! She's retaliating because of the settlement[cite: 5]!
Elena: You're the thief, Victoria! You stole my entire life and told him I ran away[cite: 5]!
Arthur: Enough! Both of you, stop shouting right now[cite: 5]!
Elena stood beside her laundry cart, her knuckles turning white as she gripped the metal handle for support[cite: 5]. Tears streamed down her face in an unbroken torrent, washing away any lingering trace of composure[cite: 5]. Arthur took a tentative step toward her, his confusion warring with the sudden, cold dread pooling in his stomach[cite: 5].
Arthur: Elena, look at me. What is going on here? Why didn't you contact me after you left[cite: 5]?
Elena: Because your wonderful fiancée made sure every single message I sent was intercepted and destroyed[cite: 5]!
Victoria: That is a complete fabrication! She's unstable, Arthur, look at her eyes[cite: 5]!
Elena: I am completely sane, Victoria! And I have proof of everything you've done behind his back[cite: 5]!
Arthur: What kind of proof? Show me right now[cite: 5]!