Julian stood tall in his sleek black business suit in the hallway.
He looked down at Elena who was slowly rising from the floor.
She held out the unharmed silk blanket for Julian to see clearly.
Elena: I would never allow harm to come to anything in this house.
Elena: I slid across the marble just to save it from damage.
Victoria: She is lying to save her job, Julian, dismiss her now!
Victoria: I saw her knock it over the edge with my eyes!
Julian turned his sharp focus directly toward his angry wife Victoria.
He noticed her trembling hands and the rushed pitch in her voice.
Julian: Victoria, calm yourself down and explain why you were near the edge.
Victoria: I was carrying it to the nursery when she bumped me!
Elena: I was standing near the linen closet ten feet away, sir.
Elena: You can check the hallway clock to verify where I stood.
Victoria stepped closer to Julian and grabbed his arm with force.
Victoria: Are you really going to take the word of a common maid?
Victoria: I am your wife, and I demand that you protect me!
Julian pulled his arm back from her grip with a firm motion.
His face turned cold as he looked deeply into Victoria's eyes.
Julian: I care about the truth more than anything else right now.
Julian: You have been acting strangely ever since I mentioned the estate will.
Victoria's face flushed with deep red anger as she stepped back.
Victoria: You care more about your money and staff than your wife!
Victoria: I deserve respect in this household from every single person here!
Julian raised his hand to quiet her loudly echoing shouts.
Julian: Stop shouting in this entryway this instant, Victoria.
Julian: We are going to resolve this matter with actual physical proof.
Elena took a step back to give the couple space to speak.
She knew that her entire livelihood depended on what happened next.
If Julian believed Victoria, Elena would lose her job without pay.
She prayed that justice would prevail in this terrible moment of crisis.
Maria the cook peeked around the kitchen doorway with worried eyes.
The entire staff knew Victoria was capable of ruthless, mean behavior.
Victoria: There is no proof needed beyond my own personal statement, Julian!
Victoria: Fire her right now or I will leave this house today!
Julian stood still and looked toward the upper ceiling corner above.
A small glass lens sparkled subtly in the bright ceiling corner light.
Victoria followed his gaze and her face instantly turned pale white.
She had completely forgotten about the newly installed security system camera.
Julian had set up cameras after a recent break-in on the property.
The realization hit Victoria like a sudden, freezing cold wave.
Her confidence melted into visible fear as she took a step backward.