Elena wiped down the long mahogany table inside the grand dining room.
She had worked for the Vance family as a housekeeper for three full years.
The mansion was located in a wealthy suburb just outside of Chicago, Illinois.
Julian Vance was a famous real estate billionaire who owned properties across the nation.
He was a kind man who treated his entire staff with respect and quiet generosity.
However, his new wife Victoria brought constant tension and heavy stress into the household.
Julian's former wife had passed away shortly after giving birth to their little boy, Leo.
Leo was now a sweet six-month-old infant who was adored by all the staff.
Victoria married Julian just four months ago after a brief and quiet courtship.
She loved the massive fortune, the private jets, and the social status of wealth.
Yet she deeply resented the small baby who held the rightful inheritance to the entire estate.
Elena watched Victoria closely every single day as she moved through the long hallway.
The cruel stepmother frequently made cold remarks whenever the baby started to cry upstairs.
She wanted her own future children to inherit the vast trust fund and family business.
That morning, Julian announced that he had to leave for an urgent board meeting downtown.
He kissed his young son softly on the forehead before stepping toward his waiting car.
Julian: Please watch over little Leo while I am away today, Elena.
Elena: I will protect him with my life, Mr. Vance.
Victoria stood on the grand staircase, watching her husband leave with a cold expression.
She held a thick manila folder tucked tightly underneath her expensive designer arm.
Inside that folder were the original biological custody papers and the child's life insurance trust.
Elena felt a sudden chill run down her spine as the heavy front door closed.
She knew that Victoria was planning something terrible while the billionaire was out of town.
The vast estate felt strangely silent as the rain began to patter against high glass windows.
Elena carefully walked upstairs to check on the quiet nursery at the end of the hall.
She vowed to stay vigilant and protect the innocent baby from any rising danger.