Richard crossed the light marble floor in rapid strides, his breath catching in his throat as he stared at the scene near the American flag.
Richard: What in the world is happening here?! Who was screaming?!
Victoria: Richard! Thank goodness you are finally home!
Elena: Do not listen to her, sir! She pushed her right off the balcony!
Victoria: She slipped from my hands! Take her away! This maid is completely insane!
Victoria's voice trembled with fake emotion as she pointed frantically at Elena while rushing down the white marble steps.
Elena: I saw it with my own eyes! She pushed her on purpose!
Victoria: You dropped her! You were supposed to be watching her in the foyer!
Richard: Quiet, both of you! Let me look at my daughter right now.
Richard knelt beside the grey-uniformed maid, his hands shaking as he reached out to take the terrified little girl into his arms.
Richard: Are you okay, sweetheart? Did she hurt you?
Elena: She is terrified, Mr. Vance, but she is safe in my arms thanks to the slide.
Victoria: Do not let that liar turn you against your own wife, Richard!
Richard: You expect me to believe you just happened to drop a toddler over an upper rail?
Victoria: It was a tragic accident! You know how clumsy help can be around here!
Elena: She looked right at her and smiled before she let go, sir!
Victoria: Shut your filthy mouth, you worthless servant!
Richard: Enough! Victoria, stay right where you are.
The tension inside the white foyer grew suffocating as Richard stared hard between his wife and his loyal employee, trying to piece together the terrifying truth.