Victoria stood over young Lily with a dark expression while the little girl backed away slowly.
The pristine kitchen was bright white with expensive marble countertops and shining high-end modern appliances.
Victoria pulled the candle lighter from her pocket and clicked the small plastic trigger to start a flame.
Lily began crying hysterically as the open flame was held far too close to her small hands.
The terrified child backed against the counter with tears streaming rapidly down her red cheeks.
Elena rushed into the bright kitchen without hesitating for even a single fraction of a second.
She grabbed Victoria's arm firmly and pushed the dangerous woman away from the terrified young child.
Victoria stumbled backward into the hard marble counter with a loud thud that echoed around the room.
She lost her balance and dropped the lit lighter onto the tiled floor with a metallic clatter.
Victoria turned around instantly with furious eyes and struck Elena hard across her left cheek.
The heavy force of the sharp blow left bright red marks on the brave house maid's face.
Elena ignored the stinging physical pain and pulled Lily tightly into a protective and loving embrace.
She held the sobbing little girl close to her chest and whispered words of quiet comfort to her.
Victoria picked up a glass vase from the kitchen island to throw it across the room in anger.
At that exact moment, the sudden heavy sound of footsteps echoed down the front entry hallway.
Grant walked directly into the kitchen after returning early to retrieve his forgotten work laptop computer.
He stopped dead in his tracks as he looked at the utter chaos filling his home's kitchen.
Victoria immediately changed her face from furious hatred to a look of utter terror and innocence.
She pointed a long manicured finger directly at the quiet house maid standing with the child.
She began crying fake tears in a desperate attempt to manipulate her wealthy and unsuspecting husband.