Arthur looked at Maia, his expression serious and questioning as he waited for her explanation.
Maia did not panic or shout back at the false accusation being made against her.
Instead, she carefully slid one hand into her apron pocket and pulled out a small red USB drive.
Maia: This is why she wanted me removed from the house today, Mr. Vance.
Arthur looked at the red drive in Maia's hand with clear curiosity and growing concern.
Arthur: Where did you find that, Maia?
Maia: Your late sister Myah gave it to me for safekeeping before she passed away last autumn.
Victoria made a quick step forward, reaching out her hand to intercept the small red object.
Victoria: Don't touch that dirty thing, Arthur! She is making up stories to keep her job!
Arthur raised his hand calmly, stopping Victoria in her tracks before she could grab it.
Arthur: Hand it to me, Maia.
Maia stepped forward carefully and placed the red USB drive directly into Arthur's palm.
Arthur took the drive, his fingers closing around the cold metal casing firmly.
He looked down at the child in Maia's arms, then back at Victoria's increasingly anxious face.
Arthur: Let us go down to the study right now and see what is recorded on this drive.
Victoria's face turned pale as she realized Arthur was not going to dismiss the matter quietly.
Maia held Sophia gently, following Arthur down the wide marble staircase toward his office.