Victoria's hands began to shake as she reached for the railing.
She walked down a few more steps to confront the quiet maid.
Victoria: You do not know anything about my private family affairs.
Sarah: I know you took my child through illegal means back then.
Victoria: You signed those papers, and you have no power here!
Sarah stepped up onto the lower stair with strong renewed courage.
She was no longer just a maid afraid of losing her job.
She was a mother fighting for the child she loved deeply.
Sarah: You forced me to sign while I was sick and lonely.
Victoria: If you say another word, I will call the police!
David walked out of the master bedroom holding a fresh white shirt.
He stopped in his tracks when he heard the raised voices clearly.
He looked over the balcony railing at both women standing near.
David: What on earth is going on down here right now?
Victoria quickly changed her tone and put on a fake smile.
Victoria: Nothing at all, darling, the maid is just leaving us.
Sarah: No, David, please listen to me for one single moment!
David walked down the stairs rapidly with a deeply worried expression.
He looked at Sarah's tear-filled eyes and saw genuine deep pain.
He had known Sarah as a soft-spoken and honest worker always.
David: Speak, Sarah, what are you trying to tell me today?
Victoria reached out and grabbed David's arm with great force now.
Victoria: Do not listen to her lies, she is losing her mind!
Sarah: Look inside the wooden chest on the upper floor balcony!
David looked up at the chest sitting beside the potted green plant.
He saw Victoria's face turn completely red with deep panic now.
He stepped past his wife and walked back up the stairs.
Victoria tried to block his path with her arms open wide.
David gently pushed past her and reached the dark wooden chest.
The air in the house grew totally still as he lifted the lid.