The morning sun shone bright through the massive crystal windows of the Vance estate.
Golden rays illuminated the pristine white sofas and polished marble floors.
Outside, the sprawling lawn looked like a postcard of American success.
Yet inside the house, a freezing cold atmosphere filled the air.
Elena adjusted her dark blue maid uniform while holding a stack of fresh towels.
She had worked for the Vance family for over ten years.
She had seen the late matriarch pass away and watched young Ethan grow into a wealthy businessman.
Ethan was now a devoted father to his baby son, Leo.
Since Ethan's wife passed during childbirth, little Leo was his whole world.
However, the peace of the home vanished when Ethan married Victoria.
Victoria was a sharp, ambitious woman who cared only about status.
She saw little Leo not as a child, but as an obstacle.
If Leo grew up, the entire family trust fund and real estate empire would belong to him.
Victoria wanted that vast fortune for her own biological children from a previous marriage.
Elena watched Victoria walk into the grand living room wearing a red dress.
Her high heels clicked loudly against the expensive marble floor.
Victoria held a silver ice bucket filled with freezing water.
Little Leo was sleeping peacefully on the sofa under a soft blanket.
Victoria smiled a cold, cruel smile as she looked down at the innocent baby.
She believed no one was looking, unaware that Elena was coming down the hallway.
Victoria tilted the silver bucket right over the sleeping infant.
The icy liquid poured directly over the child's small body.
Leo screamed in sudden shock and pain from the freezing water.
Victoria chuckled under her breath with pure malice.
Victoria: Scream all you want! You will never inherit this empire!
Elena dropped her towels to the floor in complete horror.
Her heart pounded violently in her chest.
She ran forward into the living room without holding back.
She grabbed Victoria by the arm and pulled her away from the baby.
Victoria stumbled backward and slipped onto the polished floor.
Elena: Get away from him, you monster!
Elena quickly scooped the soaking baby into her arms.
She wrapped him tightly in a large blanket to warm his shivering body.
Leo cried hysterically, his little chest heaving with every gasp.
Elena held him close, rocking him gently against her shoulder.
Elena: Shh, it is okay, little one. I have got you.
Victoria stood up quickly, her face red with anger.
Victoria: How dare you touch me! You are just a maid!
Elena: You are sick! He is just an innocent baby!
Victoria stepped closer, her eyes flashing with rage.
Victoria: Nobody will believe a word you say!
At that exact moment, the heavy wooden front doors slammed open.
Ethan entered the foyer, holding his briefcase after returning early from work.
He stopped dead in his tracks when he heard his son screaming.