The confusion on Richard's face twisted rapidly into a dark, furious rage as the full scope of Vanessa's cruelty played out across his personal phone screen[cite: 1]. A rising tension rumble echoed through the high-key white hallway, matching the violent pounding of blood in his temples[cite: 1].
Richard: What is the meaning of this live feed, Vanessa[cite: 1]?
Vanessa: Oh, that? Just some minor household discipline to keep the help in line while you were away[cite: 1]. You agreed that management needed a firm hand[cite: 1].
Richard: I said management of the corporate accounts, not my own pregnant wife[cite: 1]!
Elena: He didn't know, Richard... or maybe he did[cite: 1]. Everyone in this mansion treats me like trash since you brought her here[cite: 1].
Vanessa stepped off the bottom glass step, walking arrogantly toward the kneeling woman with a sneer of pure contempt painted across her face[cite: 1].
Vanessa: Stop playing the victim, you pathetic little maid[cite: 1]. She belongs on her knees cleaning my floor, and you know it[cite: 1]!
The words had barely left Vanessa's lips when Richard snapped[cite: 1]. A high-contrast bright natural daylight caught the blur of motion as the wealthy husband rushed forward in absolute, unbridled rage[cite: 1]. His hand swung wide, striking Vanessa forcefully across her face with a sharp slap impact sound that echoed like a gunshot through the grand foyer[cite: 1].
Richard: You absolute monster[cite: 1]!
Vanessa: Ahh! You hit me?! You struck me across the face for a servant[cite: 1]?!
Richard: She is not a servant! She is my legally wedded wife and the mother of my legitimate heir[cite: 1]!