Chapter 2 — The Housekeeper's Courage
# The Glass of Orange Juice
## Chapter 2 — The Housekeeper's Courage
Emma returned through the kitchen doorway carrying a small grocery bag.
She immediately sensed something was wrong.
The living room had become unnaturally quiet.
Then she heard it.
A muffled whimper.
She hurried around the corner.
Her heart nearly stopped.
Victoria was gripping Helen's jaw with one hand while forcing the crystal glass against her mouth with the other.
Orange juice covered Helen's blouse and dripped onto the marble floor.
Mrs. Brooks' terrified eyes pleaded for help.
Emma dropped the grocery bag.
"Mrs. Brooks!"
She rushed forward without thinking.
In one swift motion, she grabbed Victoria's wrist and pulled the glass away from Helen's face.
The crystal nearly slipped from Victoria's hand.
Emma stood firmly between them.
"Don't touch her!"
Victoria slowly turned.
Her beautiful face twisted with rage.
"How dare you?"
Emma refused to move.
"I'm protecting her."
Victoria laughed coldly.
"You're only a maid."
"You don't tell me what to do."
Emma stared directly back.
"I've worked in this house for twenty years."
"I promised Mr. Brooks and Mrs. Brooks that I'd protect this family."
Victoria's eyes narrowed.
"I'm your employer now."
Emma calmly shook her head.
"No."
"My loyalty belongs to Mrs. Brooks."
Without warning...
Victoria swung her hand.
CRACK!
The slap echoed throughout the living room.
Emma stumbled sideways.
A bright red mark appeared across her cheek.
Helen desperately tried to lift her trembling hand.
Tears streamed silently down her face.
Emma slowly straightened herself.
She never struck back.
Instead...
She stepped in front of Helen once again.
"If you want to hurt her..."
"You'll have to go through me first."
Victoria glared at her with pure hatred.
Neither woman realized...
Someone had just pulled into the driveway.
