The grand estate sat on a quiet hill just outside New York City.
Julian Vance was a very wealthy CEO who owned a huge shipping company.
He lived in the luxury mansion with his young son named Leo.
Leo was only eight years old and had a very gentle heart.
His mother had passed away three years ago after a long illness.
Julian worked long hours in his bright corporate boardroom every single day.
He wanted to build a safe future for his young son.
Six months ago, Julian married a beautiful woman named Eleanor.
Eleanor wore fine diamond jewelry and silk dresses to every party.
She told everyone in town that she loved Leo like her own son.
Eleanor: I am so happy to be a mother to this dear boy.
Julian: You bring so much joy back into our quiet home, my love.
But behind closed doors, Eleanor was not kind to young Leo.
She spoke in sharp whispers whenever Julian left the big house.
Eleanor: Stay in your room and do not touch anything in this house.
Leo: I just wanted to get my storybook from the shelf.
Eleanor: You are a spoiled child who does not deserve this wealth.
Leo felt very sad and lonely inside the cold mansion.
He missed his mother's warm hugs and gentle voice every day.
He did not want to bother his busy father with small complaints.
Julian was preparing a massive charity gala inside the main ballroom.
Important business leaders and lawyers were invited to the event.
Julian planned to announce a huge trust fund for Leo that night.
The trust fund would protect Leo's inheritance until he turned twenty-one.
Eleanor learned about the legal trust fund from Julian's private lawyer.
She wanted all the estate money for her own greedy plans.
Eleanor: Julian is giving away millions to a little child.
Eleanor: I must stop this legal paperwork before the gala starts tonight.
She searched Julian's dark oak desk inside the quiet home office.
She found the signed legal documents inside a locked leather folder.
Maya was a quiet young housemaid working in the large mansion.
Maya had been Leo's trusted nanny since he was a baby.
She noticed how Eleanor always glared at the innocent young boy.
Maya walked past the office and saw Eleanor stuffing papers inside her bag.
Maya: Mrs. Vance, is everything okay inside Mr. Vance's office?
Eleanor: Mind your own business and go back to the kitchen immediately!
Eleanor slammed the heavy wooden door right in Maya's face.
Maya knew in her heart that something dangerous was going on.
She decided to keep a close eye on Eleanor all evening.
Leo walked down the long hallway toward his father's room.
He wanted to wear his sharp grey suit for the grand party.
Eleanor stepped out of the shadow and blocked his path completely.
Eleanor: Where do you think you are going in that fine suit?
Leo: My dad said I can join the guests downstairs tonight.
Eleanor: You do not belong at this party with important people.
She grabbed the young boy's arm with a very cold hand.
Leo pulled back because he felt very scared of her eyes.
The big grand staircase was just a few feet behind them.