The grand foyer of the Vance mansion was completely bathed in bright morning sunlight.
Light reflected off the polished white marble floors throughout the entire front entryway.
Margarethe stood quietly near the top of the grand staircase holding the antique vase.
She had worked for the Vance family as their head housekeeper for ten years.
She knew every rare object inside the house down to its exact history.
This crystal vase was the last remaining heirloom from the owner's late grandmother.
It was worth thousands of dollars and held deep sentimental value for the family.
Elena walked up the staircase wearing a bright golden silk dress.
She had married into the family only six short months ago.
Since that day, she had tried to change every rule inside the household.
Margarethe noticed how carefully Elena looked around the empty hallway.
There were no other family members present on the second floor that morning.
Elena stepped closer to the wooden railing where Margarethe was dusting the display.
Elena: Give me that vase right now.
Margarethe: Mrs. Vance, Mr. Marcus asked me to clean it carefully.
Elena: I said give it to me.
Elena grabbed the crystal vase forcefully from Margarethe's hands.
Margarethe stepped back immediately to avoid any conflict with her employer.
Elena turned her hands deliberately and released her grip over the balcony edge.
The heavy crystal vase fell straight toward the marble floor below.
Margarethe gasped loudly as she watched the precious object plummet downwards.
She sprinted down the wide curved staircase faster than she ever had before.
She slid across the smooth marble surface with her arms extended forward.
She caught the falling antique inches before it hit the hard stone floor.
Margarethe pulled the heavy glass tightly against her chest while kneeling down.
Her whole body shook from the sudden burst of adrenaline and fear.
Margarethe: I caught it, it is safe!
She held the flawless glass close to ensure it had sustained no cracks.
The heavy front double doors of the mansion suddenly swung wide open.
Marcus Vance walked inside holding his leather briefcase after returning from work.
He stopped immediately when he saw his housekeeper kneeling on the floor.
Margarethe looked up at him with tears running down her cheeks.
She pointed her finger directly toward the high balcony standing above them.
Margarethe: She threw your grandmother's vase over the railing on purpose!