The heavy glass French doors of the mansion suddenly slammed wide open.
Charles Sterling rushed out onto the patio, his face pale with horror.
He had returned early after forgetting important legal documents in his office.
Charles: What is happening out here right now?
The sound of his loud voice cut sharply through the heavy summer air.
Elena immediately dropped to her knees, faking loud, sob-filled cries instantly.
Elena: Oh Charles, thank goodness you arrived just in time!
Elena: This reckless maid almost drowned our poor little baby girl!
Maria stood frozen on the wet patio, holding the crying infant closely.
Maria: That is a complete lie, Mr. Sterling!
Maria: She intentionally pushed the carrier into the deep pool water!
Elena gestured frantically with her sparkling, diamond-covered hands in distress.
Elena: She is lying, Charles! Don't listen to her crazy words!
Elena: She slipped while pushing the baby near the edge out here!
Elena: I tried to stop her, but she jumped right in after!
Charles stepped forward, his face dark with confusion and rising anger.
He looked at the soaked maid, then at his weeping new wife.
Charles: Maria, how could you let this happen to my daughter?
Maria: Sir, I swear on my life, I saved her from Mrs. Sterling!
Maria: She said the child does not belong in this family estate!
Elena let out a dramatic, heartbroken gasp and shook her head quickly.
Elena: How dare you accuse me of such horrible, wicked things!
Elena: Charles, fire her immediately and throw her off our property!
Charles pointed his finger aggressively toward the giant front estate gates.
Charles: How dare you! Get out of my house this instant!
Maria: Mr. Sterling, please look at the security cameras around here!
Charles: I said leave before I call the city police officers!
Charles stepped forward quickly and gently took the infant from Maria.
He knelt down on the patio stones, cradling the dripping baby girl.
He kissed the infant's wet head tenderly while she whimpered softly.
Charles: Daddy is here now... nobody will ever hurt you again.
Maria felt tears burning behind her eyes as she stood rejected alone.
She had saved the child's life, yet she was being cast away.
Elena smirked secretly from behind Charles's bent, protective shoulders.
Maria realized that words alone would never defeat this wealthy lie.
She needed undeniable proof to reveal the monster behind the dress.
She slowly turned around and walked away toward the maid quarters.
But she was not giving up on little baby Lily just yet.