The grand hall was quiet during the warm afternoon while Arthur was away working.
The American flag hung tall against the smooth white columns near the front entrance.
Elena was polishing the dark mahogany tables near the wide entrance doors.
She heard a sharp crying sound echoing from the upper floor hallway balance.
It was little Leo crying out in distress from his small wooden playpen area.
Elena dropped her dusting rag and walked fast toward the main marble staircase.
She paused near the tall white column when she saw Victoria walking in maroon.
Victoria was dragging a heavy leather harness strap callously across the marble floor tiles.
She was pulling the baby's harness rudely while walking ahead without looking back once.
The small child was crying on the cold floor behind her feet with fear.
Elena felt her stomach drop as her whole body shook with sudden anger.
Elena: Oh my God, I need to film this right now!
Elena reached into her apron pocket with shaking fingers and pulled out her phone.
She pressed the red button on her screen to start recording the cruel sight.
The phone screen showed Victoria pulling the harness across the light marble floor.
Victoria did not look back to see if the child was hurt or crying.
She walked forward with a cold and arrogant look on her face throughout.
Elena kept her phone steady as she captured every single second on high video quality.
She stepped out from behind the column so she could stop the cruel sight.
Elena: What kind of monster treats a baby like an animal?
Victoria stopped suddenly in her tracks and spun around with a fierce glare.
Her maroon satin dress rustled as she took a fast step toward Elena.
Victoria: Mind your own business, you foolish maid, and put that away!
Elena: You are hurting this helpless child, and I will not stay quiet!
Elena rushed forward across the polished hall floor and lifted the crying baby up.
She held little Leo tightly against her chest to shield him from Victoria.
Victoria: Keep your hands off me, you insolent servant!
Victoria reached out aggressively and shoved Elena backward against the wall column.
Elena held the baby safely in her arms so he would not fall down.
Elena: The master will see this video, and you will pay for this!
Victoria laughed coldly as she smoothed out her maroon satin dress with one hand.
Victoria: Nobody will ever believe the words of a simple house maid like you.
Elena wiped a tear from her eye and held the phone close to her chest.
She knew she had the exact truth saved safely inside her phone camera roll.