Victoria's eyes burned with fierce rage as she shoved Elena back against the wall.
Victoria: Get out of my way before I destroy your entire career too!
Elena: I will never let you put this innocent child in harm's way!
Victoria grabbed the stroller handle again and pushed it aggressively toward the stairs.
The stroller rolled rapidly toward the dangerous edge of the steep marble staircase.
Elena sprinted down the smooth marble steps with every ounce of speed she possessed.
Her shoes slipped slightly on the polished floor, but she refused to lose balance.
The stroller bounced hard against the top step as Victoria let go with a yell.
Victoria: Goodbye to you and your precious little trust fund heir!
Elena threw her arms out wide as she reached the bottom landing just in time.
She caught the heavy metal frame of the stroller firmly in both her hands.
The force of the sudden catch jarred her knees hard against the white marble.
Little Leo cried loudly from the sudden jolt, but he remained completely uninjured.
Elena wrapped her arms around the stroller tightly and pulled it against her chest.
Elena: I got you precious baby, don't worry, you are safe now!
She wiped a tear from her cheek as she checked the baby's small hands.
Up at the top of the stairs, Victoria stood frozen in complete shock.
She had not expected the humble maid to move with such desperate speed.
Victoria quickly adjusted her golden dress and smoothed down her long dark hair.
She began to put on a fake expression of deep panic and terror.
Victoria: Oh my goodness, the poor baby almost fell down the stairs!
Elena: You pushed him on purpose because you are a heartless monster!
Victoria: Nobody will ever believe the word of a poor maid over mine!
Victoria began walking down the marble stairs with deliberate, heavy steps toward Elena.
She pointed a long manicured finger directly at Elena's trembling uniform jacket.
Victoria: I will tell Daniel that you were careless and dropped the stroller yourself.
Elena: The truth always comes out, no matter how rich you think you are.
Victoria laughed softly, a bitter sound that echoed through the vast open entryway.
She reached into her purse and pulled out a stack of crisp green bills.
Victoria: Take this money right now and walk out that front door forever.
Elena: Keep your dirty money away from me and this helpless innocent child.
Elena pushed the money away firm and held little Leo even closer to her.
The front door handle suddenly rattled loudly from the outside terrace entrance.
Heavy footsteps began pounding fast against the wooden outdoor porch outside.
Victoria's face turned pale as she recognized the quick rhythm of those steps.
She tucked the cash back into her purse with frantic, nervous hand motions.
Elena looked toward the doorway with a sudden surge of pure relief and hope.
The moment of truth for the Miller household had finally arrived at last.