The air in the grand hallway turned thick with sudden tension and fear.
Victoria stomped toward the top of the staircase where Leo stood shaking.
Victoria: You need to keep your mouth shut about things you don't understand!
Leo: I am going to tell my dad everything as soon as he lands!
Victoria lunged forward and aggressively grabbed Leo by his small vest.
Victoria: You won't be telling him anything, you insolent little brat!
She shoved him forcefully toward the edge of the steep marble staircase.
Leo lost his footing on the slippery rug near the top step.
He let out a sharp cry of panic as his body tilted backward.
Leo: Help me, Clara!
Clara sprinted across the gallery floor like lightning before he could fall.
She threw her arms forward and grabbed Leo safely around his chest.
She pulled him tightly back onto the flat floor away from the ledge.
Clara: Get your hands away from him right now!
Victoria pulled her arm back and pointed an angry finger at the maid.
Victoria: How dare you touch me or interfere with my discipline!
Clara: You almost caused this innocent child to fall down the stairs!
Victoria: He tripped on his own shoelaces, you foolish woman!
Leo: No, she pushed me! She tried to hurt me, Clara!
Clara stood firmly between Victoria and the small crying boy.
Clara: I saw what you did with my own eyes, Mrs. Victoria.
Victoria: Your opinion means nothing in this house, you servant!
Clara: I will call the police myself if you take one more step!
Victoria raised her hand in rage, threatening to strike the maid.
Victoria: I am firing you right now! Pack your bags and get out!
Clara: I am not leaving this boy alone with a dangerous woman like you.
Leo wrapped his small arms tightly around Clara's grey waist.
Leo: Please don't leave me, Clara!
Victoria: Neither of you belongs in this grand mansion anymore!
She reached out to drag Leo away from Clara's protective hold.
Victoria: Get out of my life right now, both of you!
Clara held the boy closer and stood like a shield before him.
Clara: You will have to go through me before you lay a finger on him!
Victoria yelled with fury, her voice echoing off the marble walls.
Victoria: I will have you both thrown out into the rain this instant!
Just as she stepped forward again, a heavy mechanical sound filled the room.
The massive front doors swung open against the grand entry walls.