The broad foyer fell into a heavy and dark silence for several moments.
Arthur stood in the middle of the room under the bright afternoon sun.
The high-key daylight revealed every crease of anger on his pale face.
He moved his gaze back and forth between Clara and his new wife.
Clara remained kneeling near the carriage without backing down from Victoria's glare.
Arthur: Victoria, step back from her immediately!
Victoria: Arthur, darling, you cannot possibly believe this lying maid!
Arthur: I asked you a clear question, Victoria!
Victoria: She is trying to cover up her own terrible mistake!
Victoria: She was cleaning near the balcony and bumped into the stroller!
Victoria placed a hand over her chest and pretended to tear up dramatically.
Victoria: She almost ruined our baby's trust papers and family keepsakes!
Victoria: I ran down the stairs to save whatever I could find!
Clara slowly stood up and wiped the dust off her gray apron skirt.
She reached into the lining of the stroller and pulled out a pouch.
Clara: If I am lying, ma'am, explain what this is doing inside.
Arthur stepped forward and took the small velvet pouch directly from Clara.
He unzipped the top and pulled out three thick stacks of bank paper.
They were official demand notices for over two hundred thousand dollars in debt.
All of the notices were printed clearly under Victoria's personal legal name.
Arthur's hands began to shake as he read the bold red print stamped.
Arthur: What is the meaning of these debt notices, Victoria?
Victoria: Those are... those are forged papers, Arthur! She planted them!
Clara: I found those hidden inside her vanity drawer this morning, sir.
Clara: She brought them to the balcony to burn them in the fireplace.
Victoria: You wretched little snake! You searched through my personal room!
Victoria lunged forward toward Clara with her hands raised in deep anger.
Arthur instantly stepped between the two women and raised his arm high.
Arthur: Do not touch her, Victoria! Do not move another inch!
Victoria stopped in her tracks, her face turning pale in the daylight.
Arthur: The truth is standing right here in front of my eyes.