The hallway outside the grand ballroom of the mansion was quiet, but the low murmur of wealthy guests spilled through the open double doors. Crystal chandeliers cast a bright glow over the hardwood oak floors, white crown molding, and neutral cream walls. Claire adjusted her burgundy vest, wiping a drop of sweat from her forehead. Her hand brushed against a fresh, painful scratch near her hair, but she ignored it. She had a job to do, even if every person in this house looked right through her.
Suddenly, Victoria stepped into the hallway. Her burgundy velvet off-shoulder dress rustled against the floor, her ruby necklace catching the bright light. She held a crystal glass in her hand, her posture rigid as she stared toward the back exit. Claire took a deep, shaky breath and stepped directly into her path.
Claire: WHAT ON EARTH ARE YOU DOING?!
Victoria: ARE YOU INSANE?! SECURITY, GET HER OUT!
Victoria's eyes flared with rage as she glared down at Claire. She raised her hand, calling out to the hallway guards while pulling her dress back as if Claire carried a disease.
Claire: Don't bother calling security, Victoria! They aren't going to save you tonight!
Victoria: You are a nobody! A pathetic, penniless waitress! How dare you speak to me like that in my own home!
Claire: Your home? You don't own this place, Victoria. You're just a leech trying to steal what belongs to someone else!
Victoria: Get out of my face before I have you arrested for harassment!
Julian rushed out of the ballroom doors, his grey tuxedo crisp, his black bow tie slightly crooked. He looked between the two women, his hands trembling as he raised his smartwatch to his face.
Julian: OH MY GOD... SHE TRIED TO DO IT...
Tears streamed down Julian's cheeks as he stared at the small screen. Victoria turned toward him, her aggressive mask instantly melting into a look of sweet, innocent concern.
Victoria: Julian, darling, what are you talking about? This crazy maid just attacked me!
Claire: WATCH FIVE MORE SECONDS AND SEE WHO HANDED HER THAT GLASS!
Claire stepped forward, her blonde hair falling loose from her tie as tears welled in her eyes. She pointed frantically at Julian's wrist. Reaching her absolute limit over Victoria's frame-up, Claire stepped forward and forcefully delivered a hard, direct open-handed slap across Victoria's face.
Victoria's head snapped back violently from the blow. Her ruby necklace shifted across her chest as she clutched her reddened cheek in stunned horror. Julian froze, staring down at his smartwatch as the video played on, revealing the horrifying truth he could no longer deny.