The morning sun poured through the massive glass windows of the Vanguard estate.
Arthur stood inside his quiet office while reading through his late father's final legal papers.
The heavy oak desk before him was piled with thick legal folders and unpaid bills.
His younger brother had left the country weeks ago after losing millions in bad trades.
Arthur was left alone to manage the family business and take care of his newborn son.
The quiet house felt cold despite the rich furniture and expensive gold decorations inside every room.
His new fiancee Victoria walked into the room wearing an expensive green silk gown.
Her high heels clicked loudly against the polished hardwood floor as she approached his desk.
Victoria: You are spending too much time with those silly papers, my dear.
Arthur: The trust fund needs my complete attention right now, Victoria.
Victoria: That child takes up all your time and energy every single day.
Arthur: My son Leo is the only thing that matters to me anymore.
Victoria pulled her shoulders back and narrowed her bright eyes at the exhausted man.
She had joined the family six months ago after meeting Arthur at a charity gala.
Her smooth words had convinced Arthur that she would be a wonderful mother for Leo.
Yet whenever Arthur turned his back, her sweet bright smile completely disappeared from her face.
A humble maid named Maria stepped into the room holding a warm bottle of milk.
She had served the Vanguard family for over twenty quiet years with complete devotion.
Maria noticed the cold glare that Victoria gave the helpless baby resting in his crib.
Maria: Excuse me, sir, it is time for baby Leo's morning feeding.
Arthur: Thank you, Maria, please take him down to the bright sunroom.
Victoria: Let the maid handle everything so we can talk about our big wedding.
Arthur nodded slowly as he rubbed his tired eyes and looked back at the papers.
Maria carefully lifted the small child and held him tight against her soft pastel blue uniform.
She felt a sudden wave of worry wash over her heart as she left the room.
Victoria followed right behind them with slow, steady steps down the wide hallway.
The air inside the grand house turned icy cold as the two women walked away.