The morning light bounced off the tall glass foyer windows of the Dallas mansion, lighting up the cold white stone.
Six-year-old Toby held his little red toy train against his ribs, stepping carefully backward near the second-floor landing.
Victoria stood over him in a sparkling green sequin gown, her eyes narrowed with sheer hatred.
Victoria: You never watch where your dirty shoes are going on my clean floor, do you?
Toby: I was just looking for my dad! He told me to wait right here!
Victoria: Your father isn't here to save you today, you little street rat.
Toby: Please don't touch me! I want my dad!
Victoria: Accidents happen so easily in big houses...
Victoria gave a brutal shove against the boy's chest with both of her hands.
Toby shrieked as his small sneakers skidded on the polished marble risers, his body tumbling headfirst down the steep staircase.
Toby: Help me, please!
Down near the foyer archway, Clara dropped her feather duster and broke into a dead sprint across the tiles.
Her light blue uniform snapped as she charged up the first six steps, diving with both arms outstretched.
Her body took the full impact of the falling boy, knocking the breath from her lungs as she slid across the stone.
Clara: I've got you sweetheart! I've got you!
Clara stood straight up, her right hand whipping through the air with a deafening crack across Victoria's face.
Clara: Don't you ever dare to touch him again!
Victoria: You filthy maid! How dare you lay a finger on me!
The heavy mahogany front doors slammed open with an explosive boom, shaking the grand glass chandelier above.
David Sterling marched inside in a dark wool business suit, followed closely by two armed police officers.
David: What is going on here?!
Toby: Daddy, she pushed me down!
David took the stairs three at a time, his palm cracking violently across Victoria's cheek before the officers moved in.
David: You monster! You are leaving this house in handcuffs!
Victoria gasped against the banister, unaware that the folder inside David's coat held a secret that would ruin her completely.