The grand foyer of the Vance mansion always felt cold despite the golden lights hanging from the high ceiling.
A massive American flag stretched across the marble wall above the curving central staircase.
Young Leo stood near the banister while holding his small leather backpack with both hands.
He was only eight years old and had lost his loving mother two years ago.
His father Richard was a busy businessman who traveled frequently for his real estate company.
Richard believed that marrying Victoria would bring stability and warmth back into his grieving home.
However Victoria only cared about the family money and the high social status of the estate.
Whenever Richard was away on business trips, Victoria changed her entire behavior toward young Leo.
She treated the quiet boy like an unwelcome intruder who did not belong in the house.
Leo spent most of his afternoons sitting quietly in his bedroom reading books alone.
The only person who showed him real kindness was Elena, the middle-aged house maid.
Elena had worked for the Vance family for over ten years and knew the family deeply.
She missed the late Mrs. Vance and promised herself to watch over little Leo always.
Elena: Here is some hot cocoa for you, sweet Leo.
Leo: Thank you Elena, you are the only one who smiles at me.
Elena: Your father loves you very much, never forget that.
Leo: But Victoria says I am just a burden to everyone here.
Elena felt a deep pang of sadness in her heart when she heard those cold words.
She knew Victoria was trying to push Leo away to secure the full estate inheritance.
Victoria wanted her own family members to gain control of Richard's valuable property trust fund.
Elena wiped a small tear from her cheek and placed a warm hand on Leo's shoulder.
Elena: Do not listen to her cruel words, my dear child.
Leo: I miss how things used to be before my dad got married again.
Elena: Truth and kindness always win in the end, young master.
Outside the bedroom door, Victoria stood in the hallway listening to their low conversation.
Her eyes narrowed with intense anger as she heard Elena comforting the young boy.
She did not want any loyal staff interfering with her plans to control the fortune.
Victoria decided that it was time to put both the boy and the maid in their place.