David Vance set his heavy leather briefcase down on the polished entry table.
His sharp blue eyes moved quickly from Victoria's angry face to Clara kneeling on marble.
Baby Leo was still crying softly inside the sturdy padded stroller nearby.
David walked forward quickly with long confident strides across the large bright room.
David: Victoria, why are you screaming at Clara like this?
Victoria: David darling, this incompetent maid almost killed our precious little baby!
Victoria: She pushed the stroller right toward the edge of the high staircase!
Clara: That is simply not true, Mr. Vance, I swear it!
Clara wiped away her tears with the sleeve of her clean white cotton apron.
She looked up at her employer with honest eyes filled with deep fear and sorrow.
Clara: I found slick motor oil poured right near the top step sir.
Clara: I pulled baby Leo back immediately to keep him completely safe!
Victoria let out a loud dramatic gasp and rested a hand against her chest.
Victoria: She is making up lies to cover up her total negligence, David!
Victoria: She wants to ruin our upcoming luxury wedding and steal from us!
David rubbed his forehead in heavy frustration as tension filled the giant mansion.
He had known Clara for years and trusted her with his entire family estate.
Yet Victoria was about to become his legal wife and stepmother to his children.
The massive house was completely silent as everyone waited for David to speak.
Suddenly little footsteps pattered quickly down the grand carpeted hallway upstairs.
Eight year old Lily Vance ran toward the railing wearing a bright pink dress.
She pointed her small hand directly at Victoria with absolute confidence and determination.
Lily: Daddy, don't believe her! Victoria is the one who lied!
David: Lily honey, what are you talking about right now?
Lily: I saw Victoria pour the bottle of oil on the stairs!
Victoria's face turned completely pale as all attention shifted toward the stairs.
She took a quick step backward and nervously clutched her diamond necklace.
Victoria: The child is confused, David, she does not know what she saw!
Lily: I am not confused at all, Daddy, I watched from behind the door!
Lily walked slowly down the steps and stood bravely beside Clara on the marble floor.
She reached down and took Clara's hand in a gentle warm embrace.
Lily: Clara saved Leo while Victoria poured liquid and waited to yell!
David's expression hardened instantly as he stared at his trembling fiancee.
David: Is this the truth, Victoria? Did you stage this whole scene?