The bright daylight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows of the luxury penthouse living room, shining off the black marble floors and the grand piano in the corner.
Victoria stood in her dark red satin gown, her face twisted in pure hatred as she glared at seven-year-old Lily.
Victoria: GET YOUR DIRTY HANDS OFF THAT!
Before the child could even pull her hand away from the glass display case, Victoria grabbed the small girl by her arms, hoisted her high into the air, and threw her across the room with ruthless force.
Lily screamed in absolute terror as she flew through the air toward the sharp edge of the hard stone table.
Clara: I GOT YOU!
Clara, the brave maid in her blue uniform, dove across the polished black floor without a second of hesitation.
She caught Lily in mid-air, wrapping her arms tightly around the small child to shield her head as they slid across the marble floor together, crashing heavily against the sofa base.
Lily wept hysterically, burying her face into Clara's neck as Clara held her tight, checking the child's arms and legs for broken bones.
Clara: It's okay, baby... I've got you, you're safe now...
Ethan: WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?!
Ethan, a handsome father in a gray three-piece suit, stepped through the wide foyer doorway, his eyes wide in absolute horror and rage.
Victoria froze in place, her dark red gown swishing as her fake smile faltered, her face turning pale with panic.
Victoria: ETHAN! IT WAS AN ACCIDENT... SHE SLIPPED!
Ethan didn't say another word. His eyes burned with pure fury as he charged across the room.
He reached Victoria in two strides and brought his open hand forcefully across her face with a deafening crack.
Victoria stumbled backward, clutching her bright red cheek in utter shock.
Before she could speak, Ethan reared back his leg and forcefully kicked her back, sending her crashing hard onto the black marble floor.
Ethan turned away from the groaning woman on the floor and dropped to his knees beside Clara and Lily, pulling them both into a tight, trembling embrace.
Ethan: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SAVING MY DAUGHTER!
Lily sobbed softly against her father's chest, but as the room fell quiet, the real horror of what Victoria had been trying to hide in the penthouse was about to come to light.