The kitchen door swung open hard, hitting the soft drywall behind it.
Charles stepped into the room wearing a sharp dark grey business suit.
He was the owner of the massive estate and a very successful businessman.
He had just returned early from a long weekend meeting across town.
His eyes scanned the room, taking in the painful scene before him.
He saw Elena crying hysterically by the running water of the sink.
He saw Victoria standing over the poor maid with a hostile stance.
Charles had suspected for weeks that things were not right at home.
His young son Mark had grown quiet and sad whenever Victoria was nearby.
Now the truth was standing right in front of his eyes in plain view.
Charles stepped in quickly between the two women before things got worse.
He grabbed Victoria firmly by her shoulder, pulling her back several steps.
Charles: That is enough of this disgraceful behavior right now!
Victoria widened her eyes in absolute shock and total panic instantly.
She gasped loudly as she felt his strong hand hold her back firmly.
She looked up at her husband, searching his stern face for support.
Victoria: Charles! She was being completely disrespectful to me!
Charles: I heard every single word you just said to her, Victoria.
The room went dead silent except for the running sink water behind them.
Elena wiped her wet face with the sleeve of her black uniform dress.
She could barely believe that Charles was standing up for her right now.
Victoria tried to force a fake loving smile onto her bright red lips.
Victoria: Honey, she is just a maid who cannot do her job right.
Charles: She is a human being who works hard for this family daily.
He stared down coldly at the woman he had married two years ago.
He saw the ugly cruelty behind her fake high-class smile clearly now.
A strong wave of deep regret washed over his heart in an instant.
He realized he had brought a toxic person into his young son's life.
The rich man turned his head toward the brave maid near the counter.