The polished white marble floor of the Sterling mansion reflected the bright lights of the grand hallway. High on the wall, an American flag hung framed near the entrance. Elena stood near her cleaning cart, her grey uniform apron damp from work. Her hands shook as Victoria stepped into her path, wearing a dark velvet dress that swept against the floor.
Victoria: Where is my necklace, Elena?
Elena: I don't know what you're talking about, Mrs. Sterling.
Victoria: Don't play dumb with me! You were the only one in my dressing room this morning!
Elena: I was only dusting the vanity table! I didn't touch your jewelry box!
Victoria: You stole it!
Before Elena could step back, Victoria raised her right hand and forcefully slapped her straight across the face. The sharp crack echoed through the high-ceilinged hall. Elena gasped in pain, tears springing to her eyes as she clutched her burning cheek.
Elena: Mrs. Sterling, please! I swear on my life I didn't take anything!
Victoria: Shut your mouth, you thief!
Footsteps echoed from the grand staircase. Carter Sterling, dressed in a sharp dark suit, rushed down the steps. His face was stern as he looked between his fiancée and the weeping maid.
Carter: What is going on out here?
Victoria: Carter, darling! Thank goodness you're here! This girl stole my diamond necklace!
Elena: Mr. Sterling, I didn't take it! I've worked in this mansion for three years!
Victoria: Look at her bag sitting on the floor! She tried to hide it before going home!
Victoria pointed down at a luxury tan leather handbag resting on the marble floor near Elena's cleaning cart. Carter walked over, his eyes cold as he stared at the bag.
Carter: Open the bag.
Elena: Mr. Sterling, please...
Carter: Open it now, Elena.
Elena dropped to her knees, her hands trembling so violently she could barely work the brass buckles. She unclasped the leather flap and pulled the bag open. Resting right on top of her clean towels was a massive, sparkling diamond necklace, its stones catching the overhead light.
Victoria let out a victorious gasp, while Elena stared at the jewels in sheer horror, realizing she had been walked straight into a trap that could ruin her life forever.