Clara was working down the hall in the main kitchen area.
She did not hear the doors lock shut inside the library.
She was preparing lunch for Adrian before he returned back home.
Her mind was focused on keeping her steady job at estate.
She needed the weekly pay to cover her young daughter's healthcare.
Inside the dark library, Victoria watched Lily clean the wet tile.
The little girl kept glancing toward the desk near the window.
Victoria noticed where the toddler was looking and grew very nervous.
She stepped closer to the child with a harsh glare.
Victoria: Stop looking over there right this second.
Lily: I was just looking at the brass vent grate.
Victoria: You are a nosy little child just like your mother.
Victoria reached down and grabbed the child's small wrist tightly.
Lily dropped her yellow sponge onto the wet marble floor below.
She tried to pull her hand away from the angry woman.
Lily: You are hurting my arm, lady!
Victoria: Shut your mouth before someone hears you crying.
Victoria pushed the toddler back toward the large wooden corner desk.
Lily lost her balance and fell back onto the cold ground.
Tears began to spill rapidly down the child's flushed cheeks.
She held her small knees tight against her chest in fear.
Lily: I want my mommy to come inside right now.
Victoria: Your mother cannot save you from me in this house.
Outside the estate, a black car pulled up the driveway.
Adrian stepped out of the vehicle carrying his thick leather briefcase.
He had finished his city meeting earlier than he had expected.
He walked up the front steps and entered the grand foyer.
The main house was strangely quiet as he walked through it.
He called out for Clara but heard no answer from anywhere.
He walked down the long hallway toward the private library room.
He noticed the double wooden doors were closed completely shut today.
That was unusual because the library doors were always left open.
He reached out and turned the heavy brass door handle slowly.
The lock gave way and the door swung open with noise.
Adrian stopped in his tracks when he saw the scene inside.
Water was spilled everywhere across the expensive marble floor tiles.
Victoria was standing over the small child with an angry face.
Lily was sitting on the floor sobbing into her yellow gloves.
Adrian: What on earth is happening in this room?
Victoria quickly turned around and forced a soft, fake smile.
Victoria: Oh, Adrian, you returned home earlier than usual today.
Adrian: Why is this child crying on the wet floor?
Victoria: She spilled the water and was throwing a huge tantrum.
Lily saw Adrian standing near the open door frame right then.
She scrambled up from the ground and ran across the room.
She hid right behind Adrian's long legs for safe protection.
Lily: She yelled at me and hid something under there!