The bright luxury kitchen smelled of freshly squeezed citrus and heavy lavender floor wax.
Victoria stood over the kitchen sink in a royal blue embellished gown, her diamond bracelets clinking against a tall crystal glass.
She held eighteen-year-old Emily down against the marble countertop by her ponytail, forcing the cloudy orange rim against her lips.
Victoria: Drink every drop, little servant! That will teach you your place!
Emily: Please, Mrs. Sterling! It smells like bitter chemicals! Stop!
Victoria: Open your mouth and swallow, or you sleep in the garage tonight!
The liquid burned down Emily's throat like liquid acid, making her choke violently as the heavy glass tilted back.
Victoria: That's it. Empty every last drop before my guests arrive for brunch.
Emily collapsed onto her hands and knees against the cold white tiles, clutching her neck in pure terror.
Her skin turned an ashen, ghostly pale blue as her windpipe seized shut in rapid, wheezing spasms.
Emily: Help me! My throat... I can't breathe!
Her trembling fingers dove into the pocket of her charcoal maid apron, pulling out a small blue plastic inhaler.
Victoria leaned over with a mocking laugh, snatching the medicine straight out of the girl's numb fingers.
Victoria: Chores first! Then maybe you get to breathe!
Heavy footsteps thundered through the grand foyer outside beneath the tall American flag.
Charles Sterling burst through the entrance doors in his tailored navy suit, his leather briefcase dropping with a hollow crash.
Charles: Emily! What is happening here?!
He rushed across the kitchen floor, swung his open hand, and delivered a violent slap that knocked Victoria flat onto the tiles.
He ripped the blue inhaler from her fingers and jammed it between the gasping girl's lips.
Charles: Breathe, Emily!
Victoria: How dare you strike your fiancee in front of domestic staff!
Charles: Guards, arrest this woman for attempted murder!
Emily: Daddy... I can breathe...
Victoria froze on the floor in utter horror, realizing the simple maid was Charles Sterling's sole biological daughter and heir to his entire fortune.