Victoria pulled the crying infant back sharply as fabric rustled violently between the two women.
Victoria: How dare you lay your hands near me in my own home!
Elena stepped forward courageously, completely ignoring the fiery anger blazing in Victoria's eyes.
She gently but firmly pulled little Leo out of Victoria's harsh and uncomfortable grip.
The baby instantly wrapped his tiny hands around Elena's blue uniform apron and quieted down.
Elena retreated down the stairs quickly, shielding the child securely within her strong arms.
Victoria rushed down the stairs after her, shouting with a voice full of harsh rage.
Victoria: Who do you think you are to cross me like this!
Elena reached the middle of the marble foyer and dropped down protectively onto her knees.
She cradled little Leo closely against her chest and rocked him with gentle, steady movements.
Tears of pure adrenaline and fear welled up in Elena's eyes as she held him.
Elena: You're safe with me, little one, I won't let anyone touch you.
Victoria towered over the kneeling maid with her burgundy dress swishing against the floor.
Victoria: You are fired as of this very second, hand over my stepson!
Elena: Never! You do not care about this baby at all!
Victoria: He is a Sterling, and you are nothing in this vast house!
Elena squeezed her eyes shut while keeping her physical body locked around the child safely.
She knew that losing her income meant total hardship for her own small personal life.
Yet she refused to yield to the cruel demand towering directly above her head.
Victoria reached down aggressively to grab the maid by her shoulders to force compliance.
The sound of heavy brass door handles turning echoed loudly across the wide high ceiling.
The double main entrance doors swung open wide to reveal Arthur standing in the doorway.
He wore his dark green velvet suit and carried his heavy leather travel bag tightly.
Arthur froze on the threshold as he witnessed the intense scene taking place before him.
The entire grand foyer fell into a sudden and extremely tense, freezing cold silence.