Victoria: You pathetic little thief!
Hannah stumbled back, clutching her left cheek. Her skin burned where the blow had landed, but the humiliation hurt so much worse. Dozens of eyes stared at her from across the high-ceilinged room. Rich guests, servants, and estate workers all froze in complete silence.
Hannah: Ma'am, please! I swear I didn't touch it!
Victoria: Don't you dare speak to me!
Victoria stood over her, her designer dress practically glowing under the massive crystal chandeliers. Her face was twisted in total rage. Ten-year-old Leo stood right beside the crying maid, his hands clenched into tight fists as he looked between the woman and his mother.
Leo: Mom, stop it! You're making a mistake!
Victoria: Stay out of this, Leo! She thinks she can steal from us and get away with it!
Hannah: I was only cleaning the library, ma'am! I never went near your bedroom!
Victoria: Then where is it, Hannah? Where is my diamond bracelet?
Hannah swallowed hard, tears pouring down her pale face. She had worked at the Sterling mansion for three years, sending every spare penny home to pay for her mother's medical bills. If she lost this job, her family would lose everything. Worse, if she ended up in handcuffs, her entire life was over.
Victoria: Answer me! You took it, didn't you?
Hannah: No! I would never take anything from this family!
Victoria: You're nothing but a liar and a thief!
Victoria raised her hand again, ready to strike the helpless girl a second time. Leo jumped forward, stepping directly between his mother and the terrified maid.
Leo: Don't hit her again!
Victoria: Move out of the way, Leo!
Leo: No! She didn't do it!
Before Victoria could shove her son aside, heavy footsteps echoed down the marble staircase at the back of the foyer. A tall man in a tailored suit descended the stairs, his dark eyes sweeping over the tense crowd.
Richard: What's going on here?