Arthur dropped his expensive leather briefcase onto the floor with a loud, heavy thud.
He marched swiftly across the bright foyer with long, violent strides toward the two figures.
His dark eyes locked onto Elena as she sat on the marble cradling his crying daughter.
Arthur: What on earth is happening in my house right now?
Elena: Sir, please calm down, she slip on the stairs!
Arthur reached down and yanked little Lily upward into his firm, protective arms.
The small girl buried her face into her father's crisp cream waistcoat while sobbing loudly.
Arthur: You careless fool, you almost let my only child die today!
Elena: No, I caught her as she was falling through the railing!
Arthur stepped forward aggressively and pointed his finger directly into Elena's frightened face.
Arthur: You were negligent and you deliberately placed her in terrible danger!
Elena: I swear on my life that I saved her from hitting the stone!
Arthur towered over the kneeling woman with a look of pure, burning hatred.
Arthur: You have been jealous of this family since the very day you arrived!
He raised his right hand violently and shouted at the top of his voice.
Arthur: You are fired, and I will see to it that you face legal charges!
Elena cowered back on the cold floor, holding her chest in shock and terror.
The loud commotion drew the immediate attention of the other domestic staff members.
The head butler, Thomas, stepped into the foyer from the grand dining room hallway.
He observed the emotional scene with a guarded, silent look on his pale face.
Thomas: Is everything alright, Mr. Vance? I heard a awful crash.
Arthur: Escort this incompetent woman off my property right this second!
Elena: Thomas, please tell him! I was polishing the banister earlier!
Arthur held his crying daughter tightly while glaring down at the weeping maid.
Arthur: Do not speak another word in my presence ever again!
Elena gathered her trembling hands together and slowly stood up from the floor.
She looked into the little girl's eyes, but Arthur turned his back abruptly.
Arthur: Pack your personal belongings and leave my sight before I call the police.
Elena turned away with heavy tears pouring down her pale, flushed cheeks.
She walked toward the service stairs with her head bowed low in utter humiliation.
Thomas watched her leave before looking up toward the balcony staircase above them.