Mary gathered the sobbing infant gently against her shoulder, tears running down her own aged cheeks.
She rocked little Leo back and forth, trying to shield his soft frame from the harsh room.
Victoria stood over them both with her arms crossed, looking down with extreme disgust and contempt.
Victoria: Get up this instant, Mary!
Nanny Mary: How can you be so heartless to an innocent child?
Victoria: He is nothing but a golden ticket to a vast estate that belongs to me!
The echo of Leo's helpless crying bounced off the towering walls of the empty ballroom.
Victoria leaned down close to Mary's ear, her voice dropping into a menacing whisper.
Victoria: Who do you think David will believe if you utter a single word?
Victoria: His wealthy future wife, or a worthless hired nanny?
Mary held Leo even tighter, feeling the small boy's heart pounding rapidly against her chest.
She knew her job and her entire livelihood were instantly at risk if she challenged Victoria.
If she got fired today, there would be no one left inside this mansion to protect Leo.
Yet Mary looked at the sweet, tear-stained face of the child and resolved never to back down.
Nanny Mary: God sees everything you do, Victoria.
Victoria: God does not pay your salary in this house, old woman!
Victoria reached out to pull Mary away from the baby by her apron straps.
Mary held her ground firmly on the floor, placing her own body between Victoria and the child.
The heavy silver clock on the mantel chimed three times, signaling the middle of the afternoon.
Suddenly, the massive dark oak double doors at the main entrance swung open with a loud thud.
David walked into the foyer early after his meeting ended ahead of schedule.
He stopped dead in his tracks, his dark coat still draped over his broad shoulders.
The cheerful expression on David's face vanished instantly as he registered the chaotic scene before him.
He saw his sweet baby crying hysterically on the bare floor near the grand entrance.
He saw Mary kneeling in distress, while Victoria stood over them wearing a furious expression.
David rushed forward across the long polished hallway, his heavy footsteps echoing loudly against the walls.
David: What on earth is going on in here?
Victoria's entire demeanor changed in a fraction of a second as she turned around smoothly.
She instantly forced tears into her eyes and clasped her hands together in dramatic distress.
Victoria: Oh, David! Thank goodness you are finally home!
Victoria: The nanny dropped little Leo on the hard floor and tried to blame me!