Richard pulled out his tablet computer and unlocked the high-definition display screen quickly.
He tapped the security application icon to view the stored camera footage archive.
Victoria tried to place her hand gently over his arm to stop him.
Victoria: You do not need to check that silly camera, honey.
Richard: Stand back for a moment, Victoria.
Victoria: I am telling you she was just being careless!
Clara: Please look at the video, Mr. Sterling.
Richard tapped the replay button for the last ten minutes of recorded video.
The wide-angle footage clearly showed Victoria kicking the bucket with her heavy shoe.
It showed her shouting aggressively and stepping intimidatingly close to the kneeling maid.
The audio recording captured every single harsh word Victoria had spoken to Clara.
Richard's face grew cold and pale as he watched the scene unfold again.
He turned the tablet screen around so his wife could see the display.
Richard: Careless? You intentionally kicked the bucket right at her!
Victoria: She was provoking me with her terrible attitude!
Richard: She was quietly cleaning the floor on her knees, Victoria!
Victoria: You are going to believe a maid over your wife?
Richard: I believe my own eyes and this clear video evidence!
Clara stood up slowly, clutching her damp cleaning cloth against her chest.
She was amazed that Mr. Sterling was actually listening to the truth now.
For weeks, she had endured constant verbal harassment without any way to defend herself.
Victoria backed away slightly, realizing her narrative had completely fallen apart in seconds.
She tried to change her strategy by acting like the aggrieved party instead.
Victoria: I am under a lot of stress with the charity event!
Richard: That gives you zero right to abuse our household staff!
Victoria: It was just a small argument over messy housework!
Richard: You threatened her and tried to destroy her dignity!
Richard tapped his phone screen again to make a direct external phone call.
Victoria reached out to grab his wrist, her voice turning shrill and panicked.
Victoria: Who are you calling right now, Richard?
Richard: I am calling the local police authorities to report this.
Victoria: Are you completely out of your mind?
Richard: You have gone entirely too far this time, Victoria.