Richard stepped forward briskly in his elegant beige suit and gathered his daughter into his arms.
He lifted Maya off the cold floor, holding her close to comfort her shaking body.
Richard: Daddy's got you, no need to cry anymore sweetheart.
Maya: Daddy, she tried to drop mommy's gold necklace over the top railing!
Richard stared at Veronica with a dark expression that showed growing suspicion and anger.
Veronica backed away slightly toward the staircase railing, her fake composure breaking apart fast.
Veronica: The child is confused, Richard, she does not understand what really happened!
Veronica: I was merely cleaning the jewelry box when the maid startled me!
Elena: That is simply untrue, Mr. Sterling, and I have proof of what occurred.
Elena reached into her apron pocket and pulled out a small black electronic device.
The mansion had recently updated its indoor security network with clear audio sensors everywhere.
Elena pointed upward toward the hidden dome camera installed directly above the grand hallway.
Elena: The ceiling cameras recorded every single word and action near that upper balcony railing.
Veronica's face lost all its rosy color in an instant as panic took over.
She had completely forgotten about the expensive home security upgrades installed last week.
Richard pulled out his high-end smartphone and opened the master security management app.
With a few quick taps, he played the live playback from the upper floor camera.
The clear audio speaker broadcast Veronica's exact words back into the silent lobby room.
Veronica: Oops, bye bye little one!
The video clip distinctly showed Veronica smiling cruelly as she tossed the locket over.
It also showed Elena sprinting with extreme speed to catch the falling golden item.
Richard's jaw clenched tightly as total understanding crossed his disappointed face.
He realized that the woman he married harbored malicious intent toward his family.
Richard: How could you behave so cruelly toward a defenseless young child?
Veronica: Richard please listen to me, I was just trying to teach her respect!