Elena slid across the marble floor onto her knees while clutching the heavy gold locket tightly.
Her rapid breaths echoed throughout the cavernous height of the mansion's massive white lobby.
Up on the balcony level, Veronica stood near the railing with a furious expression.
She had fully intended for the irreplaceable memory to shatter beyond repair on impact.
Maya rushed down the steps as fast as her small legs could carry her.
The little girl threw her arms around Elena's neck, crying heavy tears against her shoulder.
Elena: I got you, Maya! You're safe now baby...
Maya: Thank you Elena, you saved my mommy's golden necklace!
Elena held the girl tightly while trying to regain her fast composure and calm breathing.
Veronica slowly descended the curved staircase, her heels clicking sharp rhythms against the step stone.
Her eyes flashed with cold anger because her cruel trick had failed so completely.
Veronica: You are an unruly servant who does not know her proper place here.
Elena: You dropped a child's precious family heirlooms on purpose, ma'am.
Veronica: Nobody will ever take the word of a hired maid over mine.
Veronica raised her voice loud enough to create fake drama across the quiet residence.
She intentionally ruffled her own styled hair to make herself appear distressed and panicked.
Just then, the heavy front double doors opened inward with a deep resonant sound.
Richard Sterling stepped into the main lobby holding a glossy dark leather briefcase.
He had returned early from his executive meeting to check on his daughter's welfare.
Veronica immediately adjusted her expression to display dramatic tears and deep sadness.
She ran down the remaining stairs toward Richard with her hands raised in defense.
Veronica: It was an accident, Richard! She slipped right out of my hands!
Richard: What on earth is happening in my home right now?
Richard looked between his crying daughter, the kneeling maid, and his frantic wife.
He set his heavy briefcase down on the entry table with a dull thud.
Elena stood up slowly while keeping young Maya safely behind her blue uniform dress.
She held out the intact gold locket so Richard could see the whole picture.
Elena: Mr. Sterling, your wife tried to break your late wife's heirloom intentionally.
Veronica: She is lying to cover up her own terrible negligence, Richard!