Clara stood near the edge of the hallway, holding a tray of polished silverware tightly in her trembling hands.
She watched her stepmother, Evelyn, pace back and forth across the gleaming marble floor of the grand estate dining room.
Evelyn was a harsh woman who had taken over the family estate the moment Clara's father passed away last year.
She had stripped Clara of her inheritance and demoted her to a common house maid in her own childhood home.
Evelyn: Pick up those papers off the table right now, Clara.
Clara set the heavy silver tray down on a nearby side table and lowered her eyes to avoid Evelyn's sharp gaze.
Clara: Those legal documents belong to my father's estate, Evelyn.
Evelyn: Everything in this house belongs to me now, including your future.
Evelyn stepped closer, her expensive heels clicking loudly against the polished floor as she sneered at the young woman.
Evelyn: You are going to sign over the title to your mother's old cottage by noon.
Clara: That cottage is the only thing I have left from my mother.
Evelyn: If you refuse, I will throw you out into the street without a single cent.
Clara felt a lump form in her throat, but she refused to let a tear fall in front of her stepmother.
She knew that showing weakness would only make Evelyn target her with even more cruelty during the week.
Just then, the heavy double doors of the estate dining room swung open with a soft, steady thud.
Julian, the quiet driver who managed the estate cars, walked into the room holding a leather folder of mail.
Julian: Excuse me, Mrs. Vance, the legal mail from the court lawyer has arrived.
Evelyn: Set it on the table and get back out to the garage where you belong, Julian.
Julian glanced quickly toward Clara, his dark eyes showing a sudden flash of sympathy for her difficult situation.
He placed the thick stack of mail down gently near the edge of the dark wooden dining table.
Julian: Is everything alright here, Miss Clara?
Evelyn: Do not speak to her! She is a servant in this house, just like you!
Clara took a small step backward, feeling the cold wooden paneling of the hallway wall against her tense spine.
She could see the anger burning behind Evelyn's eyes, and she knew a new storm was quickly rising.
Evelyn grabbed the top document from the lawyer's stack and shoved it directly into Clara's quiet face.
Evelyn: Sign the paper now, or I will make sure you suffer even worse!
Clara: I will never sign away my mother's home to you!
Evelyn raised her hand quickly in fury, her voice echoing off the high ceilings of the front entryway.
Julian stepped forward instantly, putting himself between the angry woman and the young maid to protect her.
Julian: Stop right there, Evelyn. You have crossed the line.