The grand front doors slammed shut with a thunderous echo that shook the quiet entrance.
Arthur Vance walked into the bright marble foyer, unbuttoning his tailored navy blue jacket.
His executive meeting had finished earlier than expected, bringing him home unexpectedly.
He heard the frantic raised voices echoing from the second-floor sitting room above him.
Frowning in confusion, Arthur quickly hurried up the grand staircase toward the noise.
He rounded the corner just as Victoria raised her hand toward the terrified housemaid.
Arthur: What on earth is wrong with you?!
Victoria spun around instantly, her harsh expression melting into a look of innocent surprise.
She smoothed down her red sequined dress with trembling fingers, putting on a forced smile.
Victoria: Arthur darling, you came home so early today!
Arthur: What is going on up here right now?
Victoria: Sarah has completely lost her mind and attacked me for no reason!
Sarah stepped forward holding the crying baby firmly against her trembling shoulder.
Tears streamed down her cheeks, but her voice remained firm and full of anger.
Sarah: Sir, she tried to burn your baby with a hot iron!
Arthur stopped dead in his tracks, his eyes opening wide in total disbelief.
He looked from the crying child to the hot iron glowing on the floorboard.
The metallic smell of scorched fabric lingered faintly in the warm room air.
Arthur: Is this true, Victoria?
Victoria: Of course not, she is lying to save her job!
Sarah: Check the sofa cushions where the iron was resting, sir!
Arthur stepped past his wife and looked down at the scorched silk cushion fabric.
A dark brown iron mark was clearly burned into the delicate material near the edge.
A wave of absolute rage washed across Arthur's face as the truth sank in.
His knuckles turned white as he clenched his fists tightly at his sides.
He turned back to face Victoria, his voice dangerously quiet and shaking with anger.
Arthur: Pack your things and leave my house right now.
Victoria: Arthur, please listen to me first!
Arthur: Do not speak another word to me!