The polished white marble of the Sterling estate foyer echoed with icy hostility as Eleanor Vance stepped forward, her lace gown rustling against the cold stone.

Lily held both hands protectively over her swollen abdomen, her knuckles pale beneath her simple gray apron.

Eleanor: You are pregnant with my husband's child!

Lily: Mrs. Vance, please... let me leave peacefully. I never asked for any of this!

Eleanor: Get rid of that bastard right now! You think a gutter maid can bear the Sterling heir and steal my fortune?!

Before Lily could take another step back, Eleanor’s arms shot forward, shoving her hard across the chest.

Lily stumbled backward, twisting her body at the last second to absorb the impact on her shoulder and hip, shielding her stomach with both arms.

She crashed hard against the marble floor, a sharp gasp tearing from her throat as tears flooded her cheeks.

Lily: Please don't touch my baby!

Eleanor stood over her, raising her hand to strike again as the household staff looked on in petrified silence.

Suddenly, the massive front double doors were flung wide open with a concussive bang.

Julian: Take your hands off her right now!