Mark stood in the center of the vast white marble living room while sunshine poured through large windows.
He adjusted the collar of his tailored dark blue suit while trying to process what had just happened.
His wife Evelyn stood a few feet away wearing a striking ocean blue satin blouse that caught the light.
Her blonde hair fell loosely around her shoulders but her expression was sharp and visibly hostile.
Across the room stood Maria who worked as their full-time live-in maid for the past three years.
Maria wore her neat blue uniform while holding eight-month-old baby Lucas securely against her shoulder.
The infant whimpered softly as the heavy tension in the house filled every single corner of the room.
Mark looked down at the shattered crystal vase laying ruined on the pristine white floor.
Important documents regarding his family estate trust fund were completely soaked with dirty stagnant water.
Those papers held vital signatures needed for the upcoming court hearing regarding his company mortgage.
Evelyn immediately pointed her long manicured finger directly at Maria with complete disdain.
She claimed that the maid had been clumsy while dusting the side tables near the grand USA flag display.
Maria shook her head slowly as tears began gathering in her frightened dark eyes.
She explained softly that she had been upstairs feeding the baby when the loud crash happened downstairs.
Mark looked closely at his wife because he noticed a small wet tear on her blue satin sleeve.
He took two calm steps toward Evelyn and blocked her from stepping any closer to Maria.
His voice echoed loudly against the white walls as he demanded the absolute truth right then and there.
Evelyn scoffed loudly and turned her face toward the massive glass patio doors overlooking the city skyline.
She insisted that a humble maid should never be trusted over the word of a legal spouse.
Mark felt a deep cold knot form inside his stomach as he realized something was terribly wrong today.
He asked Maria to take baby Lucas upstairs into the nursery so they could speak in total privacy.
Maria nodded quickly and carried the child away while keeping her gaze fixed on the polished floor.
Mark walked over to his mahogany desk where his framed military service flag was displayed proudly.
He needed a moment to regain his composure before asking the questions that truly mattered.