Thomas: You really believe that your wealth makes you a different species, don't you?
Victoria: It makes me the person who writes the checks, which means I dictate reality in this house.
Thomas: Then let's talk about the reality of your estate finances, Victoria. My brother didn't just investigate your custody case. He investigated the source of your family's trust fund.
Victoria stopped dialing, her thumb hovering over the screen as she stared at Thomas with a mixture of hatred and growing anxiety. The cool air conditioning of the mansion did nothing to stop the sudden sweat forming on her brow under the natural daylight.
Victoria: My family's wealth is entirely legitimate and managed by the top accounting firm in New York. You know nothing about corporate finance.
Thomas: I know that your late father left a specific clause in the will. If any member of the family is convicted of a violent misdemeanor or public fraud, their shares are immediately frozen and reassigned to the charitable foundation.
Victoria: That is a private legal document! How could you possibly know the contents of the Davis family will?
Thomas: Because it became public record during the foreclosure lawsuit your brother filed against the mountain estate five years ago. You aren't as good at hiding your garbage as you think you are.
Lily looked between her father and the wealthy woman, witnessing the shift in power. Victoria's commanding posture was beginning to crumble, her breathing becoming shallow and rapid.
Lily: Is that why you wouldn't let me use my phone in the house, Mrs. Vance? Because you were afraid I would take a picture of how you live, or how you treat the staff?
Victoria: You were forbidden from using your phone because you are paid to work, not to text your friends on my time!
Thomas: She was forbidden because you're a bully who can only feel powerful when you're starving a young girl who can't fight back.
Victoria: I have given her a roof over her head! She would be living on the street if I hadn't approved her application through the local agency!
Lily: I took this job because I trusted the agency, but they didn't tell me you had already fired three maids this month for the exact same reasons.
Victoria: They were fired for incompetence, just like you are about to be!
Thomas: She isn't fired, Victoria. She's quitting. But before we leave this luxury prison, you're going to pay her every single dollar she earned for the night shift.
Victoria: I will pay her through the standard corporate payroll system at the end of the month, after deducting the cost of the damaged silver polish she spilled.
Thomas: You'll pay her right now. In cash. Or I will call the local news station before I call the police department.