The bright morning sun streamed through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows of the Vance estate, lighting up the grand hallway. Light marble floors polished to a mirror shine reflected the white walls and the large American flag hanging proudly over the mahogany staircase. To anyone passing by outside, the home looked like the absolute definition of the American dream. Inside, however, a thick tension hung in the air, heavy and silent like the moments right before a sudden summer storm.
Sarah adjusted the crisp collar of her white maid apron as she polished the legs of the grand piano in the corner of the hall. She was a gentle young woman who had worked for David Vance for three years, caring for the house with quiet pride. But over the last six months, the once warm home had turned cold and sharp, ever since Victoria had walked into David's life.
Victoria was a tall, glamorous woman who moved through the house like she owned every single brick of it. She wore expensive silk dresses and carried an aura of absolute authority, but her eyes were always cold, calculating every dollar David possessed. David Vance was a wealthy real estate developer, a self-made billionaire who built his empire from nothing. After losing his late wife, he had felt lonely, making him vulnerable to Victoria's charming trap.
They had gotten married only four months ago, right before David's late wife's baby was born through a surrogate. Baby Leo was now just three weeks old, a fragile gift that David cherished more than his entire fortune. Yet, Victoria saw the newborn child as nothing more than a direct threat to her financial future and her hold on the family inheritance.
Sarah noticed how Victoria looked at the nursery door whenever David was away at the corporate office. It was a look filled with deep resentment and quiet hatred that made Sarah's stomach turn with fear every single morning. David had recently discussed updating his legal will, planning to place his vast real estate holdings and trust fund into Leo's name. Victoria had argued fiercely behind closed doors, demanding a prenuptial change and a larger share of the family estate.
Sarah kept her head down, rubbing the soft cloth over the glossy black finish of the piano keys, hearing the faint click of high heels approaching down the marble hallway. Victoria stepped into the sunlit room wearing a striking red silk dress that rustled with every sharp step she took toward the grand piano.
Victoria: Why is this room still dirty, Sarah? You are slack today.
Sarah: I am polishing the piano right now, Mrs. Vance. I just finished feeding little baby Leo upstairs.
Victoria: Do not speak his name to me as if he is the center of this world.
Sarah: He is just a baby, ma'am. He needs our love and care.
Victoria: He needs to not exist in my life or in my home.
Sarah felt a sudden chill run down her spine despite the bright sunlight filling the room. She looked up and saw Victoria staring toward the grand staircase with dark eyes. Victoria walked slowly toward the stairs, her red dress gleaming under the soft daylight, and Sarah knew in her heart that something terrible was brewing in the house.