The dark hallway grew very quiet as Victoria leaned closer to mock him again.
Suddenly a quick rustle of black fabric cut through the heavy silence.
Sarah rushed out from the side kitchen hallway into the main marble space.
She was wearing her neat black and white maid uniform with an apron.
Sarah had worked for Ethan's family since they were both young kids.
She knew his true heart better than anyone else in this big house.
Sarah threw her open arms wide to shield Ethan from his vicious fiancée.
Sarah: Don't touch Ethan!
Sarah stood like a tall wall between the helpless man and Victoria.
Her whole body was shaking with fear, but she held her ground firmly.
Victoria jumped back in sudden shock at Sarah's bold sudden intrusion.
Her bright gold sequins caught the light as she stumbled backward a step.
Her sharp heel caught the edge of the blue wool blanket on Ethan's lap.
The warm cover pulled away and dropped heavily onto the hard floor.
Victoria: Get back to the kitchen where you belong, you low class worker!
Sarah: I will not let you insult him in his own home anymore!
Victoria: You have no right to speak to me like that in this house!
Ethan looked at Sarah's broad shoulders with deep gratitude in his eyes.
He saw how brave she was being despite the threat to her job.
Sarah had spent hours every night caring for him after the hospital released him.
She was the only person in the entire city who truly cared.
Victoria glared angrily at the young maid with total disgust and spite.
She pulled her small leather handbag up higher on her shoulder with a snap.
Victoria: I will make sure you are fired without a single penny by tonight!
Sarah: You don't own this mansion yet, Victoria, and you never will!
Victoria: I own everything that Ethan used to hold in his foolish hands!
Sarah turned her head slightly to check if Ethan was alright behind her.
Ethan gave her a very soft nod to let her know to step aside.
The air in the white marble hallway felt thick with growing tension.
The soft breeze from the tall open window stirred the huge American flag.
Victoria crossed her bare arms tightly over her gold glittering dress.
She waited for the terrified maid to run away crying into the back rooms.
Instead Sarah stood perfectly still and kept her brave protective pose intact.
Ethan felt that the right moment had finally arrived to reveal everything.
He planted both of his feet firmly on the cool smooth floor.