The pristine marble foyer of the grand mansion was usually dead quiet during the quiet afternoon hours.
Huge crystal chandeliers hung from the soaring white ceilings and cast brilliant reflections across the glossy floor.
A large American flag was prominently displayed against the back wall of the grand entrance hall.
That peaceful atmosphere shattered into complete chaos when high pitch screaming echoed through the vast corridor.
Serena was dressed in an expensive shimmering beige gown that caught every angle of the afternoon light.
She stomped down the hall while holding little three year old Ethan roughly by his small arm.
The helpless child wept loudly as his tiny shoes dragged uselessly across the smooth white marble floor.
Ethan: Mommy, no! It hurts!
Serena: Shut up and walk faster, you spoiled little brat!
Serena pulled him hard toward the dark hallway that led directly toward the basement service rooms.
From around the corner, Clara rushed out in her black and white house maid uniform.
Her face was pale with sudden terror as she took in the cruel sight before her.
Clara: Get away from him right now!
Clara sprinted down the long hallway without hesitating for even a single second.
She dropped to her knees on the hard floor and wrapped her arms protectively around Ethan.
The small boy clung tightly to Clara's neck and buried his tear stained face into her shoulder.
Serena sneered down at the kneeling maid with cold disgust in her painted eyes.
Serena: Who do you think you are, you lowly maid?
Clara: I won't let you hurt this innocent child!
Serena raised her hand aggressively and pointed her long manicured fingernail directly at Clara's pale face.
Serena: You are just a paid servant in this house, Clara!
Clara: He is just a frightened baby who needs love!
Serena: You do not tell me what to do in my own home!
Clara held the crying child even closer and refused to move an inch off the ground.
Her heart pounded heavily in her chest as she shielded Ethan with her own body.
Serena pulled back her hand in sharp anger as if she intended to strike the young woman.
Suddenly, the heavy double front doors of the mansion creaked open with a loud thud.
A tall man wearing a dark brown trench coat stepped firmly inside the bright marble entrance hall.
It was Victor, the prominent CEO and sole owner of the massive family business estate.
His stern brow furrowed in instant anger as he took in the shocking scene in front of him.
Victor: What in the world is going on here?
Serena gasped softly and quickly altered her aggressive posture within half a second.
She turned toward Victor with wide eyes full of fake tears and deep frantic alarm.
Serena: Victor, thank goodness you are finally home!
Victor: Serena, why is Ethan screaming on the floor?
Serena pointed an accusing finger down at Clara while breathing rapidly for dramatic effect.
Serena: She attacked Ethan! I was trying to protect him from her!
Clara lifted her tear filled eyes from the marble floor in pure shock and horror.
Clara: That is not true! Please don't let her touch him again!
Victor stood frozen near the front entrance as his sharp dark eyes moved between the two women.