From the dining room, Elena heard the sharp cry of terror.
She dropped her dust cloth instantly onto the long mahogany table.
She ran as fast as her legs could carry her toward the entrance.
Her sensible black shoes slapped hard against the smooth marble floor.
She burst into the foyer just as Victoria raised her hand threateningly.
Victoria was trying to force the crying boy inside the dark closet.
Elena did not hesitate for even a single second.
She sprinted across the massive room with unbelievable speed and focus.
She reached the bottom of the stairs and rushed right up them.
Elena: I've got you, sweetheart! Step away from him now!
Elena threw her arms around Leo, pulling him back to safety.
She wrapped her strong body around the sobbing child completely.
Leo buried his face into her crisp apron, shaking with terror.
Elena stood tall and pushed Victoria's reaching arm far away.
Her eyes burned with a fierce, protective fire she had never shown before.
Elena: DON'T YOU EVER DARE TOUCH HIM AGAIN!
Victoria stumbled backward on the steps, her wide eyes filled with shock.
She had never expected an employee to stand up to her.
Victoria: You pathetic maid! How dare you lay a finger on me!
Elena: You are a cruel, heartless woman to threaten a helpless child!
Victoria: I will have you fired and thrown out onto the street!
Elena: Fire me if you wish, but you will not harm Leo!
Victoria’s face turned bright red with explosive, out-of-control fury.
She raised her hand high to strike the brave housekeeper across her face.
Elena caught Victoria's wrist tightly mid-air before she could react.
The strength in Elena's grip made the cruel woman gasp aloud.
Elena: Do not even try it, Mrs. Whitman!
Victoria: Let go of my arm this instant, you miserable servant!
Elena: You think your money makes you superior to everyone else here.
Victoria: I own this house, and I own everything inside it!
Elena: You own nothing here, and Arthur will know the truth today.
Victoria tried desperately to pull her arm back from Elena's grip.
She squealed in anger as her heels slid on the polished steps.
Leo looked up through his tears, holding tightly to Elena's waist.
For the first time in months, he felt truly protected and safe.
Elena kept herself standing firm between the wicked woman and boy.
She refused to back down, no matter what Victoria threatened next.