Elena threw herself into Richard's arms, sobbing loudly against his beige jacket.
Elena: Richard, it was so terrible, she almost killed our sweet little Lily!
Richard: What are you talking about Elena? Speak clearly to me!
Elena: Sarah was playing on her cell phone while standing near the balcony.
Elena: She let Lily slip off the top step without even looking up!
Richard's face turned pale as he turned his gaze toward Sarah and Lily.
Sarah stood by the marble pillars, clutching the small toddler tightly.
Richard: Sarah, is this true? Did you let my baby fall today?
Sarah: No Mr. Sterling, I swear on my mother's memory I did not!
Elena: She is lying to save her job, Richard, throw her out!
Elena: Look at how tightly she is gripping Lily, she is terrifying her!
Richard walked quickly across the bright floor toward Sarah with a frown.
Richard: Give me my daughter right now, Sarah, let me hold her.
Sarah gently passed the sobbing toddler into Richard's strong waiting arms.
Richard held Lily close, resting his chin on top of her soft head.
Richard: I have you sweetie, daddy is right here with you now.
Lily: Daddy, step-mommy tried to hurt me! She pushed me real hard!
Elena gasped dramatically, pressing a hand against her silk orange dress chest.
Elena: Oh my goodness, Sarah must have coached the poor child to say that!
Elena: You know how toddlers repeat whatever lies adults tell them to say!
Sarah: I never said a single word to her, Mr. Sterling, ask Elena why!
Sarah: Ask her why she was looking at your legal will last night!
Richard froze, his sharp eyes darting quickly between his wife and maid.
Richard: My private legal will in the locked study drawer downstairs?
Elena: She is making up nonsense stories to cover up her gross negligence!
Sarah: Check the security camera inside the foyer roof corner, Mr. Sterling.
Elena's body went stiff as a stone as her face lost all color.