The pristine white marble floor of the Sterling estate was normally polished to a mirror finish, reflecting the crystal chandeliers above. But on this humid summer afternoon, the echoing hallway was filled with the sound of violent scuffling and a child's terrified wails. Serena, wearing a glittering gold dress that caught the sunlight, gripped six-year-old Ethan's arm with an iron fist, dragging him roughly toward the grand staircase.
Serena: Stop crying, you ungrateful little brat! You're coming with me right now!
Ethan: Ow! Stop it, please! You're breaking my arm!
Serena: Keep your mouth shut! I am going to teach you some manners before your father gets back!
Ethan: Let go of me! Help! Somebody help me!
From down the corridor, Clara, the young maid in her black-and-white uniform, dropped her cleaning supplies onto the polished tiles. She saw the fear in the little boy's eyes and ran forward without a second thought, throwing herself onto the marble floor between the cruel woman and the child.
Clara: Get away from him! You're hurting him, Miss Serena!
Serena: How dare you lay your hands on me, you lowly maid?!
Clara: I don't care who you are! You can't treat a child like this!
Serena raised her hand, her face contorting with unhinged fury as she glared down at Clara, who was now wrapping her arms tightly around the weeping boy. The framed American flag hanging in the grand foyer stood silent witness to the escalating madness, but neither woman noticed the faint red light flickering on the high ceiling above.
Serena: I am going to be the mistress of this mansion! You are fired, and I'll make sure you're arrested for assault!
Clara: Call anyone you want, but you will not lay another finger on Ethan while I am standing here!
Serena: We'll see about that, you foolish girl!
Heavy footsteps suddenly thundered against the front porch, and the massive mahogany doors burst open. Victor Sterling stepped into the foyer, his brown trench coat flaring behind him as his eyes swept over the horrific scene unfolding in his home, entirely unaware of the dark secret about to be exposed.