The glittering Dallas banquet hall smelled of expensive steak and fresh orchids.
Arthur adjusted his black tuxedo and smiled at his guests.
Arthur: A toast to family and long life.
Victoria: Cheers, my darling husband.
Arthur raised his glass of dark red wine to his lips.
Elena: Sir, don't drink that! Stop!
Elena rushed into the room, her hair falling out of her neat bun.
She slapped the glass directly out of Arthur's hand.
The red wine splashed across the white tablecloth like blood.
Victoria: How dare you touch him!
Victoria's face turned beet red with rage.
She charged forward, her gold dress shimmering under the chandeliers.
Victoria's palm flew across Elena's cheek with a sharp crack.
Elena fell hard onto the cold marble floor.
Arthur: Victoria, stop it!
Victoria: She's a crazy maid, Arthur! She attacked you!
Victoria picked up another glass from the tray and stepped toward Arthur.
Victoria: Drink it, darling! Ignore her!
Elena: No!
Elena kicked out from the floor, hitting Victoria's knees.
Victoria stumbled backward, gasping as the glass shattered on the floor.
Elena scrambled to her feet and pulled out her smartphone.
Elena: Look at this! She poisoned your wine! Call 911 right now!
Arthur looked at the phone screen in shock.
The video showed Victoria holding a small clear vial over the wine decanter earlier that evening.
Arthur turned his eyes toward Victoria, his jaw tight with anger.
Arthur: Is this true?
Victoria: It's a fake video! She made it to destroy us!
Elena: Check the decanter in the kitchen, sir.
Victoria: You quiet down, you pathetic servant!
Arthur: Nobody leave this room.
The room went completely silent as the heavy banquet doors locked from the inside, leaving Victoria backed against the table with nowhere left to run.