The heavy oak front doors swung open with a sudden burst of force, letting in the cool outdoor air. Heavy footsteps marched across the polished marble, moving fast toward the grand hallway. Julian Sterling, the sole heir to the vast Sterling estate and real estate company, walked into the main corridor. He wore a sharp black suit and carried a dark leather briefcase, having just returned early from a major corporate meeting in the city. Beside him walked two local police officers who had arrived to review security arrangements for an upcoming charity event at the mansion.
Julian stopped in his tracks the second he saw the scene unfolding in his front hall. His eyes moved from Victoria's cold, angry face down to the young woman lying helpless on the cold floor. When he recognized Elena weeping and clutching her stomach, something inside him snapped instantly. The calm, composed CEO disappeared, replaced by a wave of raw protective rage that made his body stiffen.
Julian: LET HER GO!
His voice roared through the high hall like thunder, stopping every guard and servant in their tracks. The two police officers behind him reached for their belts, sensing the sudden spike in danger. Julian dropped his leather briefcase to the floor with a heavy thud and stepped past the officers, marching down the corridor toward Victoria with wide, furious strides.
Victoria turned around slowly, startled by the deep sound of her husband's voice. However, her stubborn pride quickly took over her face again, twisting her features into a mock look of outrage. She straightened her posture and glared back at Julian, refusing to show any shame or regret for what she had just done to the helpless maid.
Victoria: HOW ARE YOU TO INTERRUPT ME?!
Julian: Move away from her right now, Victoria!
Victoria: She is a careless servant who disrespects this household! I have every right to discipline her!
Julian ignored Victoria completely, brushing past her so hard that her silk dress swayed in the wind of his movement. He knelt down on the hard marble floor right beside Elena, dropping to both knees without caring about his expensive suit trousers. His face went soft with deep concern as he looked down at the trembling girl who was sobbing hysterically.
Julian: Sit. Slowly. Don't stand. Della, call medical care! Preserve the footage!
Elena: Mr. Sterling... it hurts so bad... please save my baby...
Julian: Ssh, keep quiet and breathe gently, Elena. I am right here with you. You are safe now.
Julian placed a warm, reassuring hand on Elena's shaking shoulder, using his other arm to support her back so she did not have to lie flat on the freezing cold stone. He turned his head toward the house manager, Della, who was standing near the kitchen entrance with a phone already pressed to her ear. Della nodded quickly, her face pale with shock as she spoke urgently to the emergency dispatcher on the line.
Della: We need an ambulance at the Sterling estate immediately! A young pregnant woman has been assaulted!
Victoria scoffed loudly, folding her arms over her chest as she stood over them like a spiteful guard. She looked down at Julian touching the maid's shoulder with such tenderness, and a bitter fire of jealousy flickered deep inside her eyes. She had never seen her husband look at anyone with such fierce care before.
Victoria: You are making a ridiculous scene over nothing, Julian! She tripped over her own clumsy feet!
Julian: Shut your mouth, Victoria. Not another word out of you.
Julian looked up at the two police officers who were now standing at the edge of the hallway, their eyes fixed on the scene. He raised his hand and pointed directly toward the security camera mounted in the corner of the ceiling. The small red light on the camera was blinking continuously, recording every single second of the incident in clear high definition.