The music in the ballroom was playing softly when suddenly a loud gasp echoed across the grand marble hall.
Victoria Vance marched into the center of the room, her red gown swishing violently with every hurried step she took.
Her hand was raised to her bare neck, which was now completely empty without the famous heirloom diamond necklace.
The room went completely silent as guests turned their heads to see what was causing the unexpected commotion.
Victoria: My diamond necklace is gone! Someone has stolen it directly from my neck!
The crowd gasped loudly, whispering among themselves in absolute shock as security guards rushed into the room immediately.
Victoria scanned the crowd with dark eyes until her sharp gaze locked directly onto Elena near the pantry doors.
She pointed a thin finger at the pregnant maid, her face twisting with intense anger and open hostility.
Victoria: You! You were standing right behind me just ten minutes ago!
Elena nearly dropped her heavy tray as every single person in the room turned to look straight at her.
Elena: I was only serving drinks, ma'am! I never touched you or your jewelry!
Victoria: Do not lie to me! You were brushing past my dress while offering those ridiculous drinks!
Victoria stepped forward rapidly, closing the distance between herself and the terrified young woman in seconds.
She grabbed a heavy leather decorative strap from a nearby display stand and raised it high in the air.
The guests backed away in shock, gasping at the sudden display of raw anger from their host.
Elena shrank back against the wall, covering her pregnant belly with both arms to protect her unborn baby.
Tears filled her eyes instantly as she looked around the room, begging the silent crowd for help or understanding.
Elena: Please, someone help me! I am telling the truth! I never stole anything in my life!
None of the wealthy guests moved forward, choosing instead to watch the dramatic confrontation unfold before them.
Victoria lifted her chin, her face red with fury as she stepped even closer to the trembling maid.
Victoria: Search her uniform right now! Search her bags before she hides my family treasure!
Elena dropped to her knees, weeping bitterly as the cold floor chilled her legs through her thin uniform dress.
She felt completely helpless, surrounded by rich people who looked at her with cold suspicion and disgust.