Victoria stood completely frozen, her fingers still holding the sharp metal blades inches away from Maya's face.
Victoria: Julian... what are you talking about?
Julian: Get away from her right now!
Julian threw his briefcase onto the marble floor and sprinted across the hall, his dark tailored suit jacket flying open.
Victoria: Julian, wait! She's just a clumsy maid! She broke the antique vase!
Julian: I said step back!
Julian shoved Victoria's arm aside so hard the heavy brass scissors flew out of her hand, clattering noisily against the stone tiles.
He immediately dropped to his knees on the cold floor right beside Maya.
Julian: ARE YOU OKAY, MY LOVE?
Maya: Julian... you came back early...
Julian: Thank God I did. Look at your forehead... you're bleeding!
Julian quickly unbuttoned his expensive dark suit jacket, slipping it off his arms and gently placing it around Maya's shaking shoulders to cover her torn, dusty uniform.
Victoria: Your love?! Julian, she is a domestic servant! Why are you touching her?!
Julian: She is my legally wedded wife, Victoria!
Victoria backed up two steps, her high heels clicking frantically against the marble as the blood drained from her face.
Victoria: No... no, that's impossible! You're the billionaire CEO of the Vance Estate!
Julian: And Maya is the lady of this house!
Victoria: You... you married a maid?! Without telling the family trust board?!
Julian: We married six months ago in secret because I knew sharks like you would try to ruin her life!
Julian carefully wrapped his arm around Maya's waist, helping her stand up slowly and holding her steady.
Julian: Take it easy, sweetheart. Don't stress yourself.
Maya: The baby... Julian, I was so scared for the baby...
Julian: The baby is safe, my love. I'm right here with you.
Victoria gasped, her hands flying to her mouth as she stared at Maya's slight bump now visible under the jacket.
Victoria: She's... she's carrying your heir?!
Julian: She is carrying the sole heir to my entire fortune and real estate holdings!
Victoria: Oh dear Lord... what have I done...
The realization hit Victoria like a physical blow, sending a wave of sheer panic through her chest.
She dropped to her knees frantically, her metallic gold gown spreading across the marble as she reached out to grab Julian's polished leather shoes.
Victoria: PLEASE FORGIVE ME, SIR! I DIDN'T KNOW!
Julian: GET YOUR HANDS OFF ME AND GET OUT OF MY HOUSE!
Julian forcefully kicked his leg back, sending Victoria sprawling onto the marble floor with a loud crash.
Victoria: AHH! Julian, please! I'm your cousin!
Julian: You are a sadistic bully who assaulted a helpless pregnant woman in my foyer!
Maya: Julian... my head hurts so much...
Julian: I know, baby. I'm taking you to the hospital right now, but first, this trash is leaving my property.