The grand piano stood near the middle of the bright sunlit parlor.
Victoria held the heavy antique crystal urn directly above the hard floor.
Her eyes shone with a dangerous, wild light of pure destruction.
Rose's heart pounded violently against her ribs in sheer terror.
She knew that destroying the heirloom would break Lord Arthur's heart forever.
It would also destroy any remaining peace inside this grand house.
Rose: Ma'am, stop! Think about what you are doing!
Victoria: I have thought about it, and I want him to suffer!
Rose: You are letting your anger ruin everything!
Victoria let go of the priceless crystal urn with a cruel laugh.
The heavy glass object plunged fast toward the polished marble floor.
Rose did not hesitate for even a single fraction of a second.
She lunged forward across the slick marble surface with desperate speed.
Her light blue dress rustled loudly as she dived straight toward the floor.
Outstretched hands reached out to catch the heavy falling glass before impact.
Rose slid across the hard floor and caught the urn inches above the stone.
The sudden effort knocked the breath out of her young lungs instantly.
She held the heavy crystal tightly against her chest while gasping for air.
Victoria stood frozen in total shock at the maid's incredible quick action.
Her face turned pale white as her cruel laughter died in her throat.
At that exact second, the heavy parlor doors swung wide open.
Lord Arthur walked into the opulent room holding his leather briefcase.
He stopped dead in his tracks as he saw the chaotic scene.
His eyes opened wide in sheer shock and deep disbelief.
Lord Arthur: What in God's name is going on in here?!
Victoria: Arthur! I... I did not hear you come home!
Lord Arthur: Rose, why are you on the floor with my family's urn?
Rose: My lord... Lady Victoria dropped it on purpose!
Victoria snapped her head around with panic filling her bright eyes.
Her cold confidence dissolved into frantic, shaking fear in seconds.
She realized her loving husband had caught her in the mid act.
Arthur stepped into the center of the room with heavy, deliberate steps.
The silence in the parlor felt as cold and sharp as ice.