Victor: What is going on out here?
The deep, commanding voice echoed down the marble hallway.
Vanessa froze. Her shrill screaming stopped instantly.
Victor stood at the top of the stairs in a crisp black tuxedo. His eyes were locked on the scene in front of him.
Vanessa: Victor! Thank goodness you are home early.
Victor: I asked a question, Vanessa.
Vanessa: This crazy maid just attacked me! She grabbed my arm out of nowhere!
Maya: Sir, that is not true.
Victor: Release her, Maya.
Maya slowly let go of Vanessa's wrist. She stepped back, keeping herself between the wealthy woman and the wheelchair.
Vanessa: Look at my skin! She left red marks on my wrist.
Victor: Did she?
Vanessa: Yes! I demand you fire her immediately. Call the police and have her arrested for assault.
Victor: Maya, is this true? Did you grab my fiancée?
Maya: I did, sir. I had to.
Vanessa: See! She admits it! She is completely unstable.
Victor: Why did you grab her, Maya?
Vanessa: Because she is jealous of me, Victor. These servants hate it when I give them orders.
Maya: Sir, Ms. Vance raised her hand to strike your mother.
Victor's face went completely blank. He slowly turned his head to look at Vanessa.
Vanessa: That is a disgusting lie!
Victor: Is it?
Vanessa: Of course! I was just reaching over to adjust her blanket. The maid misunderstood.
Maya: She was screaming at Mrs. Sterling. She called her a vegetable.
Vanessa: Shut your mouth! You are a liar!
Victor: Enough.
Victor walked slowly down the hallway. He stopped right in front of Vanessa.
Vanessa: Victor, you have to believe me. I love your mother.
Victor: Mother. Are you okay?
Helena: The angry lady tried to hit me, Victor. The nice girl stopped her.
Vanessa gasped, taking a sharp intake of breath as panic washed over her face.