The sound of violent impacts echoed off the high vaulted ceilings as Vanessa unleashed her fury.
Vanessa: Know your damn place, you filthy peasant!
Clara: Oh! You actually hit me...
Vanessa: That's just a warning. Next time, it won't just be your cheek stinging.
Clara stumbled backward against the hallway wall, her hands flying to her burning face as tears of shock welled in her eyes.
The baby wailed louder, terrified by the sudden violence exploding right above him on the cold marble floor.
Vanessa: Now pick yourself up and get out of my sight before I ruin your life forever.
Clara: Mr. Vance is going to hear about every single thing you've done to this child.
Vanessa: Richard only cares about his stock portfolio and his company mergers. He doesn't give a damn about a crying baby!
Clara: You are completely delusional if you think he won't see through your lies when he gets home early.
Vanessa scoffed, looping the leather leash tighter around her wrist as she stared down at the trembling infant.
Vanessa: My husband is three hours away at a private charity gala across town. He isn't walking through those doors.
Clara: Miracles happen when monsters think they're safe, Mrs. Vance.
Vanessa raised her hand again, stepping forward to deliver another blow to the defenseless maid.
Vanessa: I will teach you respect if it's the last thing I do in this house!
Clara: Try it. Someone is finally going to hold you accountable for your wickedness.
Before Vanessa's hand could connect, a loud, thunderous crash echoed from the front entrance of the grand mansion.
The heavy double doors burst wide open, revealing an imposing figure framed by the bright daylight outside.
Richard Vance stood on the threshold, his light grey suit jacket billowing slightly from his hurried entrance.
His face was a mask of utter disbelief and mounting rage as his eyes locked onto the horrific scene unfolding before him.
Vanessa: Richard... You're supposed to be across town at the board meeting!
Richard: What in God's name is happening in my own hallway right now?!
Clara: Mr. Vance! Thank God you're back early! Please look at what she's doing to your son!
Vanessa dropped the leather leash instantly, her face draining of all color as panic replaced her arrogance.
Vanessa: Darling, let me explain! The boy was acting out and I was merely trying to correct his posture!
Richard: Shut your mouth, Vanessa. I saw everything from the doorway.
Richard didn't wait for another excuse; he lunged forward across the checkered marble with heavy, rapid footsteps.