Mark stood up slowly from the floor, keeping one protective hand on Billy's shoulder while offering his other hand to help Elena stand up. The housekeeper’s legs were still shaking, but she managed to balance herself, pressing a hand against her tender cheek where the red mark from Victoria's hand was still clearly visible. Mark saw the distinct imprint of his wife's fingers on the maid's skin, and a cold, dark anger took over his eyes.
Mark: Get down here right now, Victoria.
Victoria: Mark, please listen to me! The child is confused! The maid was talking back to me and acting aggressively! I was trying to step past her and she lost her footing!
Elena: That is not what happened, Mr. Vance. I was standing between her and Billy because he was terrified. She slapped me across the face and then pushed me with both hands.
Victoria: She’s lying! She’s trying to keep her job after failing to watch the boy properly!
Mark: Shut your mouth, Victoria! I saw you extend your arms with my own eyes when I walked through that door!
Victoria stopped at the middle of the staircase, her hand clutching the wooden banister so tight her knuckles turned white. She realized that her usual manipulation would not work this time. For months, she had worked to isolate Mark from his son and turn the household staff into silent onlookers, but her impulsive violence had ruined everything in a single moment.
Mark: I hired a private investigator last week to look into the household accounts after finding discrepancies in the house maintenance fund. Do you want to tell me about those offshore transfers before he delivers his final report to my legal team?
Victoria: What... what are you talking about?
Mark: I knew something was wrong in this house, but I was stupid enough to think you were just stressed. I didn't realize you were stealing from my son's trust fund and treating him like an obstacle.
Elena: Mr. Vance, she threatened to call the police on me when I tried to stop her from pulling Billy’s arm.
Mark: She won't be calling anyone. But I certainly will.
Mark pulled his cell phone from his inner suit pocket and dialed a direct number, setting the speakerphone on high so his voice echoed clearly across the grand foyer for everyone to hear.
Mark: Arthur, this is Mark Vance. I need my divorce attorney and the local police department at my residence immediately. My wife just committed aggravated assault and attempted murder against my employee in front of my son.
Victoria: Mark, no! You can't do this to me! You can't ruin my reputation over a maid!
Mark: You ruined yourself the second you put your hands on a helpless child and the innocent woman protecting him.
Victoria slumped down onto the steps, covering her face as the cold reality of her arrest, the loss of her wealthy lifestyle, and the complete destruction of her social standing washed over her like a heavy wave.