The crystal chandeliers of the Sterling estate ballroom cast a harsh glare over the polished marble floor under the high ceilings[cite: 1]. Centered proudly on the grand white wall hung a massive framed American flag, silent witness to the gala taking place below[cite: 1]. Clara, dressed in her simple blue waitress dress and crisp white apron, held a tray of sparkling cider with shaking hands[cite: 1].
Across the room stood Victoria, wearing an opulent pink diamond-studded Victorian ballgown that rustled heavily with every step[cite: 1]. In her arms, three-month-old Toby squirmed, letting out frantic, terrified whimpers[cite: 1].
Victoria: Stop your whining, you miserable little street rat!
Clara: Miss Victoria, please! Let me hold him! He needs his bottle!
Victoria: Don't speak to me, servant! You have no right to open your mouth in this mansion!
Victoria's face twisted into an aggressive, psychotic sneer[cite: 1]. She lifted the tiny infant high above her chest, ignoring the collective gasps rippling through the high-society guests gathered near the champagne tables[cite: 1].
Clara: Miss Victoria, put him down gently! You're going to hurt him!
Victoria: GET RID OF IT![cite: 1]
A vicious roar tore from Victoria's throat as she pulled her arms back and violently hurled the swaddled baby overhand straight across the room toward the stone floor[cite: 1].
Clara: NOOO![cite: 1]
Clara tossed the metal tray aside and threw herself forward, her knees sliding heavily across the polished white marble with blistering speed[cite: 1]. She stretched out both arms, catching the falling infant inches above the freezing floor tiles[cite: 1].
Clara: I've got you! Shh, I've got you, little angel! You're safe!
Toby broke into breathless, high-pitched wails, his face turning bright red as he gasped for air against her chest[cite: 1]. Clara held him tight beneath the American flag, her whole body shaking with rage[cite: 1].
Clara: What is wrong with you?! You could have killed him![cite: 1]
The heavy white double doors of the ballroom suddenly slammed open with a deafening crash, revealing the one man Victoria never expected to see[cite: 1].