Maria moved quietly down the long tiled hallway toward the grand foyer.
She heard footsteps coming down the main staircase from the second floor.
Elena was carrying small Leo down toward the brightly lit entrance hall.
The baby was squirming and crying softly in his blanket.
Maria stayed hidden behind a tall velvet curtain near the archway.
She gasped silently as she saw what Elena had done to the child.
Elena had used a silk ribbon to tie the infant's tiny hands together.
Leo was defenseless and could not move his arms at all.
Elena set the small bundle down on a plush bench in the foyer.
Her face looked twisted with anger and bitter jealousy.
Elena: Cry all you want, you little brat! You have no place here!
Maria's eyes widened in horror as Elena reached into her designer purse.
Elena pulled out a small metallic lighter and clicked it open.
A small yellow flame flickered dangerously close to the baby's tied wrists.
The child screamed in terror, sensing the heat near his delicate skin.
Maria did not hesitate for a single second longer.
She sprinted across the polished marble floor with all her speed.
Maria: Get your vile hands off him, you monster!
Maria grabbed Elena's arms firmly and pulled her away from the baby.
Elena stumbled backward, dropping the lighter onto the smooth tile floor.
Maria immediately scooped Leo into her arms, holding him tightly against her chest.
She quickly untied the silk ribbon around his small wrists with trembling fingers.
Elena: How dare you touch me, you worthless servant!
Elena reached out and slapped Maria hard across the cheek.
The force of the blow made Maria's face burn with pain.
But Maria held the crying baby even tighter, shielding him with her body.
She stepped back, glaring at the wicked woman with fearless anger.
At that exact moment, the massive front doors swung open wide.