My Cruel Wife Abused the Maid, Unaware of the Woman's True Identity

A Cruel Display in the Foyer

The grand foyer of the Vance mansion was a testament to cold, unfeeling luxury. Polished white marble stretched out like an icy lake, reflecting the bright daylight streaming through the massive arched windows. But the elegance of the room was entirely shattered by the venomous voice of Victoria Vance. Dressed in a cherry-red designer gown that stood out violently against the pristine white surroundings, Victoria stood like a tyrant over Martha Higgins, the estate’s sixty-year-old housekeeper.

Martha was on her knees, desperately trying to scrub a dark red wine spill from the porous marble floor. Her hands shook, her joints aching from years of hard labor. She had apologized repeatedly, but Victoria’s rage was insatiable.

"You clumsy, pathetic old fool!" Victoria hissed, her face contorted with malice. "This floor cost more than you will ever earn in your miserable life!"

In a sudden, erratic burst of cruelty, Victoria reached for a heavy decorative crystal vase resting on a nearby pedestal. The vase was filled with cold water and fresh lilies. Without a shred of hesitation, Victoria hoisted the heavy vessel high above her head. Martha looked up, her eyes wide with terror as she realized what was about to happen.

"No! Please, Mrs. Vance!" Martha whimpered, raising a frail hand in defense.

But Victoria only sneered. With a sharp downward motion, she dumped the icy water, sodden soil, and crushed flowers directly onto the elderly woman's head. Martha let out a piercing, high-pitched scream as the freezing water drenched her thin clothes, the heavy lilies bruising her face.

At that exact moment, the heavy oak front doors burst open. Dr. Julian Vance, Victoria’s husband, rushed into the foyer. Still wearing his white lab coat from the hospital, his face turned pale, then flushed with absolute fury at the horrific scene unfolding before his eyes.

"Hey! Stop!" Julian roared, his deep voice echoing off the vaulted ceilings.

Before Victoria could even turn to face him, Julian sprinted across the marble floor. He grabbed Victoria by her shoulders, pulling her back with immense force. In the chaotic scuffle, Victoria lost her footing. Julian shoved her away from the shivering maid, sending her crashing backward onto a delicate marble counter. The heavy stone violently shattered under her weight, sending fragments of glass and marble raining down onto the floor.