By noon, the atmosphere inside the residence was thick with unspoken fear.
Richard was away at a emergency corporate meeting across the busy city.
Victoria walked down the hall wearing an expensive emerald green sequin dress.
She looked around the empty foyer to make sure no staff were near.
She did not know that Elena was folding linens in the doorway.
Toby walked out of his playroom holding a small wooden toy boat.
Toby: Look at my new boat, Stepmom, it can float on water!
Victoria: Get out of my way, you clumsy little brat.
Victoria stepped closer to the top step of the slippery marble stairs.
She deliberately placed her high heel near the boy's small feet.
Elena watched from the shadow of the doorway with wide, terrified eyes.
Victoria raised her hand and delivered a sudden, strong nudge forward.
Victoria: Accidents happen so easily in a house this huge, sweet child.
Toby lost his balance on the slippery top step and shrieked out.
He tipped forward right over the dangerous edge of the high staircase.
Elena dropped her armful of linens and sprinted forward with all her speed.
She threw her body down the steps to reach the falling child.
Her hands caught Toby under his arms just before he struck the floor.
They slid together across the smooth polished marble at the bottom step.
Elena wrapped her arms tightly around the trembling, crying boy.
Elena: I have got you, sweet boy, you are safe now!
Toby sobbed loudly against Elena's shoulder, holding onto her uniform collar.
Elena checked his head and limbs quickly for any sign of hurt.
Aside from being terrified, Toby was completely unharmed by the fall.
Elena looked up the staircase with absolute fury in her dark eyes.
Victoria was standing at the top step with a cold, disgusted sneer.
She slowly walked down the steps like a queen inspecting a mess.
Victoria: Don't you ever dare to touch him again, you insolent maid!
Elena: You pushed him on purpose, Mrs. Vance, I saw you do it!
Victoria: Nobody will ever take the word of a common servant over mine.
Victoria stepped down to the foyer and reached out for the child.
Elena pulled Toby behind her back, protecting him with her body.
Elena: You will not lay another hand on this innocent child today.
Victoria: You are fired as of right now, pack your trash and leave.