Clara remained on her knees as her chest heaved with heavy breaths.
She cradled the silk bundle firmly, protecting the papers from any damage.
Victoria gripped the balcony railing so tightly that her knuckles turned pale white.
She stared down at the simple maid with fierce anger in her eyes.
Victoria: Give that bundle back to me right now, Clara!
Clara: No, Mrs. Vance, these belong to little Leo and Mr. Julian!
Victoria: You do not make the rules in this home, you simple servant!
Clara: You tried to destroy the trust papers on purpose!
Before Victoria could answer, the massive wooden front doors swung wide open.
Julian Vance rushed into the grand foyer holding a leather briefcase in his hand.
He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Clara kneeling on the marble.
Julian: What on earth is happening in my house right now?
Clara: Mr. Vance, please look at what she just tried to do!
Julian: Clara, why are you crying on the floor with that bundle?
Clara: She deliberately dropped the baby's trust bundle right over the high balcony!
Julian turned his head slowly and looked up at the upper landing.
Victoria immediately changed her expression from rage to deep helpless sorrow.
Victoria: Julian, darling, please do not listen to her wild lies!
Victoria: She was clumsy and dropped the precious bundle herself while cleaning!
Clara: That is not true, sir, I caught it before it hit the floor!
Julian felt his temper boil over as he looked between the two women.
He set his briefcase on the hall table with a heavy thud.
His shoes clicked loudly against the tile as he marched up the grand stairs.
Julian: I want the exact truth right now from both of you!
Victoria: I was just standing here when she started screaming at me!
Julian: Get out of my way, Victoria, and let me see those papers!
Victoria tried to step between Julian and the top of the staircase.
Her golden gown swept across the steps as she reached out to touch his arm.
Victoria: You cannot take the word of a common maid over your own wife!
Julian: Clara has served this family faithfully for three long years without issue!
Victoria: She is trying to ruin my reputation because she wants more money!
Julian pointed a stern finger directly at Victoria's frantic face.
Julian: Get out of my face right now, Victoria!
Julian: If you touched those legal papers, I will call the police immediately!
Victoria took a step back as her face turned completely pale with fear.