The grand foyer of the Dallas mansion was quiet until the sudden metallic screech of wheels rattled against the top step. Margarethe stood at the landing, her hand still hovering in the air right behind the black stroller.

Down below, the baby girl inside screamed as the stroller bounced violent steps down toward the polished marble floor.

Margarethe: Oh my god! Somebody help!

From the kitchen hall, Maria scrambled out, her shoes slipping against the pristine floor as she dove forward with open arms. She slammed into the base of the banister, catching the frame of the stroller just inches before it flipped over.

Maria: I caught her! I caught her! Baby Clara, you're okay!

The front double doors burst open as Richard stepped into the house, his coat half-off. He froze, looking at the crying maid kneeling beside the shaking stroller at the bottom of the staircase.

Richard: You let my baby roll down the stairs?! What did you do?!

Maria: Sir, I didn't! I was in the kitchen!

Margarethe: Richard! She was distracted on her phone! I tried to grab it, but she let go!

Maria lay on her hands and knees, tears streaming down her uniform. Little Clara reached her tiny arm out from the seat, pointing up toward the top of the stairs where Margarethe stood adjusting her red dress.

Clara: Papa stop! Mommy pushed me!

Richard’s posture stiffened instantly. He looked up at his wife, whose breath hitched in her throat.

Richard: What did she just say?

Margarethe: She's a baby, Richard! She's confused! Maria is lying to save her job!

Richard: Clara, look at me. Who pushed the stroller?

Clara: Mommy pushed! Maria saved me!

Richard charged up the marble staircase in three fast strides. Before Margarethe could back away, he reached the landing.

Margarethe: Richard, wait—

A sharp slap echoed across the high ceiling of the foyer as Margarethe stumbled back against the wall, clutching her reddened cheek.

Richard: Get away from my daughter!

He rushed back down, dropping to his knees to pull Clara into his arms, his body shaking with fury as he stared at his wife.

Richard: Maria, call 911 right now. Get the police here immediately.