The morning sun shone brightly through the tall arched windows of the grand estate.
Ethan stood in the center of the foyer, holding his infant son in his arms.
He looked at the boy's soft face and felt a deep surge of love.
His late wife had passed away shortly after giving birth to little Leo.
Since that painful day, Ethan had promised to protect his baby boy at all costs.
He hired extra staff to ensure the home was always safe and peaceful.
Among the household staff was a quiet maid named Maria.
Maria had worked in the mansion for nearly five years.
She was gentle, hardworking, and deeply devoted to the family.
When Leo was born, Maria took on the job of caring for him like her own child.
Ethan trusted Maria completely with the boy's daily care.
However, the peaceful environment in the house changed when Ethan met Elena.
Elena was a glamorous woman who frequented high-society parties in the city.
She quickly won Ethan's heart with her charm and bright smile.
Within six months, Ethan asked Elena to marry him and move into the mansion.
He believed that Leo deserved a loving mother figure as he grew up.
But Elena was not as kind as she pretended to be in front of Ethan.
Whenever Ethan left for his corporate office, Elena's warm smile completely disappeared.
She viewed the small baby as a rival for Ethan's vast fortune and attention.
Elena wanted Ethan all to herself and resented every minute he spent with Leo.
Elena: Why are you hovering over that baby again, Maria?
Maria: He needs his bottle, ma'am. He is just a helpless baby.
Elena: Just put him down and fix my tea right now.
Maria bowed her head and hurried toward the kitchen.
She felt a cold chill run down her spine whenever Elena looked at the child.
Maria knew she had to watch the new lady of the house very carefully.