Maya slid on her knees across the polished marble floor.
Her arms caught the padded carrier right before it hit the hard floor.
She gathered the baby tightly against her chest to keep him warm.
Little Leo cried loudly from the sudden harsh movement.
Maya stayed on the floor while holding the infant securely.
Her hands trembled violently as her breath came in fast gasp beats.
She checked the baby quickly for any signs of injury.
The little boy was completely safe in her strong hold.
Maya looked up at the tall woman standing above her.
Victoria stood motionless with her arms crossed tightly over her chest.
There was no shock or regret in her cold eyes.
Maya: What is wrong with you?
Victoria: Do not speak to me in that disrespectful tone!
Maya: You could have severely hurt this poor baby!
Victoria: He is fine, so stop making such a dramatic scene.
Maya: You tried to shove him off the table on purpose!
Victoria: Nobody will ever believe the word of a house cleaner.
Maya stood up slowly while cradling the crying baby.
She stepped away from Victoria toward the broad inner staircase.
Victoria moved quickly to block the path to the stairs.
Victoria: Hand that child over to me right this second.
Maya: I am not letting you touch him again today.
Victoria: I am the mistress of this house, you foolish girl.
Maya: My duty is to keep this child safe from harm.
Victoria reached out to grab Maya's blue uniform collar.
Maya took a quick step backward onto the first stair riser.
She kept her body turned to protect the small infant.
Victoria: If you do not give him back, you are fired.
Maya: Fire me then, but I am taking him upstairs.
Victoria's face grew dark with deep anger.
She raised her hand to strike Maya across the arm.
Before her hand could make contact, heavy footsteps echoed down the corridor.
The grand double doors at the main entrance burst open wide.
Ethan Sterling walked inside flanked by two personal security guards.
He wore his dark red velvet tuxedo from his evening charity gala.
He stopped dead in his tracks at the strange scene in his foyer.
His eyes swept from Maya on the stairs to Victoria in her gown.
Ethan: What is going on in my home right now?
Victoria: Ethan, darling, thank goodness you are finally home!
Victoria changed her voice instantly to a high hysterical sob.
She rushed toward Ethan with her hands covering her face.
Victoria: The maid lost her mind and tried to steal Leo!