Maya: Leo! Hang on baby, I'm coming!
The cold water slammed against Maya's face as she submerged into the deep end of the pool. Bubbles rushed past her eyes, obscuring her vision as she kicked her legs furiously under the surface. Looking up through the blue water, she saw the dark outline of the baby stroller sinking toward the tiled bottom of the pool.
Maya swam with all her strength, her maid's uniform heavy and pulling her down. Her chest burned for air, but she ignored the pain, reaching her arms out through the swirling bubbles until her hands gripped the fabric of the stroller harness.
Maya: Got you! I've got you, Leo!
Working frantically under the water, Maya unclipped the tight safety buckle on the harness. The baby's tiny arms flailed helplessly in the water as she pulled his small, wet body out of the seat and held him tightly against her chest. She kicked against the bottom floor of the pool, pushing herself upward with every ounce of strength she had left.
Maya broke through the surface of the water, gasping for air as her head cleared the pool edge. She pulled herself up onto the wet stone deck, cradling the soaking infant against her uniform.
Maya: Please, someone help us! Help!
Victoria: Oh, look at you making a massive scene like always!
Maya dropped to her knees on the wet concrete, weeping hysterically as she laid little Leo across her lap. The baby coughed up pool water, choking and wailing loudly as his tiny face turned red from fear and cold.
Maya: Shh... shh, baby boy, it's okay! You're safe! Mommy Maya's got you!
Victoria: Stop your screaming, you dramatic fool! You're disturbing the entire neighborhood!
Maya: You pushed him! I saw you push the stroller into the water with your own hands!
Victoria: Shut your mouth! Who do you think anyone is going to believe? A paid maid or the mistress of this mansion?
The heavy glass patio doors slammed open, and Marcus Vance rushed out onto the deck wearing a black shirt and slacks, his face pale with sudden panic as he heard the wailing outside.
Marcus: What happened out here?! What was that splash?!
Victoria: Marcus! Thank God you came out! Look what she did to the baby!
Victoria raised her hand, pointing aggressively at Maya while twisting her face into an expression of fake horror and outrage.
Marcus: Maya?! What is going on with Leo?! Why is he soaking wet?!
Maya: Mr. Vance, please listen to me! Victoria pushed the stroller into the deep end!
Victoria: That is a disgusting lie! Marcus, she was distracted on her phone, and she let the stroller roll right off the edge! I tried to catch it, but I couldn't reach in time!
Marcus's face twisted into an expression of intense, blinding fury as he stared down at the wet maid kneeling on his pool deck.