High above the foyer, Victoria gasped in bitter shock when she saw Elena catch the falling child.
Her cruel master plan had failed completely in a single split second of quick action.
Furious clicks of sharp high heels echoed loudly against the white marble stairs as Victoria rushed down.
Her peach dress fluttered angrily behind her as her face twisted into a mask of pure rage.
She marched right up to where Elena was kneeling on the cold floor holding little Maya.
Victoria: It was an accident, Richard! She slipped right from my hands!
Victoria shouted the fake excuse out loud to cover her guilt in case anyone was listening.
She reached out aggressively and tried to yank the crying toddler straight out of Elena's arms.
Elena pulled Maya back firmly and refused to let the cruel stepmother touch the frightened child.
Elena: Stay away from her! You pushed her on purpose!
Victoria: Give her to me! Don't you dare touch her, you useless servant!
Victoria reached down in a sudden rage and swung her hand hard against Elena's face.
The sharp sound of the strike rang through the bright white walls of the luxury mansion.
Elena held the child even tighter and turned her body to shield Maya from any harm.
Victoria swung her hand again, screaming loud insults at the top of her frantic voice.
Victoria: You are just a maid! You will hand that child over to me right now!
Elena: I will protect this child with my life! You will never hurt her again!
Victoria stepped forward to shove Elena down against the hard marble floor once more.
The heavy front double doors suddenly burst open with a loud thud against the wall frames.