Richard froze near the entryway, his eyes widening in complete shock at the chaotic scene before him.
He saw his new wife aggressively cornering his tearful maid near the grand American flag display.
He saw his tiny daughter weeping loudly while clinging for dear life to Elena's neck.
Richard: What on earth is happening in my home?
Chloe turned around instantly, her sharp face transforming in a single second into a fake expression of horror.
She squeezed her eyes shut and forced artificial tears to flow down her powdered cheeks.
Chloe: Oh, Richard, thank goodness you are home!
Chloe: It was awful, darling, just terrible!
Chloe rushed over toward Richard, reaching out her hands as if seeking comfort and protection.
Chloe: The maid was so careless with Maya at the top of the stairs!
Chloe: Maya nearly fell because Elena left her toys lying around everywhere!
Chloe: I tried to save her, but Elena started screaming at me!
Elena stood her ground by the flag, her body trembling with righteous anger and total disbelief.
Elena: That is a complete lie, Mr. Vance!
Elena: She pulled back the rug and waxed the marble floor on purpose!
Elena: She placed Maya's toy right on the edge to lure her over!
Chloe turned toward Elena, her voice rising into an angry, high-pitched screech.
Chloe: How dare you accuse me of such a monstrous thing!
Chloe: Richard, fire her immediately and call the police on this liar!
Richard set his heavy leather briefcase down on the marble floor with a slow, deliberate motion.
He looked at Chloe's frantic face, then down at the slick, glistening patch of fresh wax on the landing.
He noticed the heavy brass vase lying shattered at the bottom of the grand staircase.
He also remembered that he had installed small, hidden security cameras near the upper balcony last month.
He had put them there to protect his private office, but they covered the entire upper hallway.
Richard reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out his smartphone with steady, calm fingers.
Richard: Let us check the live security feed right now.
Chloe's face instantly drained of all color as she remembered the small dome camera in the ceiling.
Her mouth opened in silent panic, her hands trembling as Richard tapped the phone screen twice.