Before Victoria could hurry back into her room, the double front doors swung open with a bang.
Arthur Sterling marched into the mansion, holding his heavy leather briefcase and pulling off his damp coat.
He stopped dead in his tracks as he saw the shattered stone pieces lying across his pristine foyer.
He saw Elena sitting on the floor, holding his weeping daughter securely inside her protective arms.
Arthur: What on earth just happened in my house while I was away at my meeting?
Victoria quickly adjusted her metallic gown and hurried down the upper steps with fake tears in her eyes.
Victoria: Oh Arthur, darling, it was the most horrific and terrifying accident imaginable!
She pointed her long painted fingernail directly at Elena, who was standing up while holding little Lily.
Victoria: That careless maid bumped into the heavy display pedestal while she was recklessly running around!
Elena: That is completely untrue, Mr. Sterling, I was down here watching Lily play safely!
Victoria: How dare a humble servant talk back to me after nearly harming my husband's sweet daughter?
Arthur looked closely at his trembling child, who was holding tightly to Elena's clean uniform collar.
Lily: Daddy, Victoria pushed the heavy stone right off the balcony rail toward where I stood!
Victoria's face turned completely pale as Arthur's sharp blue eyes turned to stare directly at her face.
Arthur: Is this the truth, Victoria? Did you endanger my daughter inside our own family home?
Victoria: She is just a confused child lying to protect this foolish maid, please believe me!
Elena stepped forward courageously, pulling the crisp yellow envelope out from her deep apron pocket.
Elena: Mr. Sterling, I also caught your wife trying to steal your original legal will today.
She handed the official documents directly to Arthur, who looked at the broken seal with anger.
Arthur: These papers were locked securely inside my private desk safe this morning before I left.
Victoria stepped back toward the stairs, realizing that her cruel plot was completely exposed to everyone now.