Just as Victoria raised her hand again to shake the heavy leather strap in anger, a loud voice shouted.
Mark Vance, the younger brother of Victoria's husband, pushed his way violently through the circle of staring guests.
He rushed forward and grabbed the leather strap directly out of Victoria's hand, throwing it across the floor.
The heavy item hit the marble with a sharp bang, ringing through the silent and stunned ballroom.
Mark: What on earth are you doing, Victoria?! Have you completely lost your mind?!
Mark immediately stood directly in front of Elena, using his broad shoulders to block Victoria from coming any closer.
He looked down at the weeping maid, his eyes softening as he saw her trembling hands and tear-streaked face.
Mark: Are you alright, Elena? Did she hurt you at all?
Elena: No, sir... but I swear on my child's life that I did not take her necklace!
Mark: I believe you, Elena. Just stay down and take deep breaths while I handle this situation.
Mark turned back to face his sister-in-law, his jaw set tight with righteous anger and utter disgust.
Mark: How dare you corner a pregnant woman and accuse her without an ounce of actual proof!
Victoria: Proof?! She is the only poor person in this room who desperately needs money right now!
Victoria: Her husband is unemployed, Mark! She has every reason in the world to steal my diamonds!
Mark's face darkened as he listened to Victoria's cruel words echoing across the silent room filled with guests.
Mark: Being poor does not make someone a thief, Victoria, and your behavior tonight is utterly shameful.
Victoria: Call the police right now! I want her arrested and thrown into a cell immediately!
Mark: Nobody is calling the police until we check the facts properly like civilized human beings.
Mark pointed directly toward the large wall-mounted monitor screen hanging near the entrance of the grand hall.
Mark: We installed high-definition security cameras in every single corner of this main hall last month.
Victoria's face flickered for a fraction of a second, her confident expression faltering as she glanced at the screen.