The sharp sound of a hand striking skin echoed through the massive white marble kitchen.
Victoria: Move faster, you incompetent little brat!
Lily: Ouch! Stop, please! You're hurting me!
Elena: Leave her alone, Mrs. Vance! She’s only seven years old!
Victoria: How dare you raise your voice to me in my own house!
Before seven-year-old Lily could pull away, Victoria’s palm swung around again, landing with a brutal crack across the maid’s face. Elena stumbled backward against the stainless steel sink, her body shielding the little girl from further blows.
Elena: Please, ma'am, hit me if you must, but do not lay a finger on Lily!
Victoria: I will strike both of you as much as I want until this floor shines!
Lily: I want my daddy! Daddy, help us!
Victoria: Your father isn't here, you little nuisance! And by the time he gets home, both of you will be sitting on the curb where you belong!
Elena wrapped her arms around Lily, holding the sobbing child tight against her apron. Both of their cheeks burned bright red in the morning sunlight streaming through the mansion windows.
Victoria: Pack your bags, Elena. You're fired. And take this little parasite with you!
Elena: You cannot throw out Mr. Vance's daughter!
Victoria: I am the mistress of this estate now! I make the rules!
Heavy footsteps suddenly echoed down the hallway, fast and furious. The heavy double doors of the kitchen swung wide open.
Arthur: What on earth is going on in here?
Arthur Vance stood in the doorway, clad in a dark tailored suit, his briefcase slipping from his fingers as his eyes took in the horrifying scene. His little girl was huddled on the marble floor, clinging to the maid and sobbing uncontrollably.
Lily: Daddy!
Arthur rushed across the kitchen, dropping to his knees beside his daughter and the weeping maid.
Arthur: WHAT HAPPENED?! WHO DID THIS TO YOU?!
Elena raised her shaking hand, pointing her finger straight at Victoria.
Elena: SHE SLAPPED US BOTH AND TRIED TO THROW US OUT!
Arthur turned his head slowly toward his new wife, his eyes filled with pure shock and rising fury. Victoria stood near the island, smoothing her silk blouse with a cold smirk.
Victoria: THEY DESERVED IT, DARLING!
Arthur stared at her, the air freezing in his lungs as he realized the truth about the woman he had married just three months ago.