Elena smoothed her dark apron while standing near the polished wood railing.
She had worked for the Vance family in Dallas for nearly two years.
The quiet house always felt vast and lonely during the long daylight hours.
David Vance was a wealthy man who owned a major real estate investment company.
His young wife Victoria spent most of her afternoons shopping or attending charity lunches.
Elena took care of the everyday cleaning and watched over baby Lucas.
The sweet infant was only seven months old and loved resting in Elena's arms.
Victoria rarely held her son unless someone took a photo for social media.
Elena noticed how cold Victoria acted whenever the nursery door was closed.
That morning had started with a heavy feeling inside the warm family home.
David was preparing for a critical board meeting across town that morning.
He placed his leather briefcase on the entryway table before checking his silver wristwatch.
David: Is Lucas sleeping peacefully upstairs today, Elena?
Elena: Yes, sir, he just went down for his nap.
David: Thank you for taking such wonderful care of him every single day.
Elena: It is my total pleasure, Mr. Vance, he is an angel.
David smiled softly and grabbed his car keys off the polished wooden tray.
Victoria walked down the grand stairs wearing a vibrant gold silk dress.
She ignored Elena and glared directly at her husband near the front door.
Victoria: Are you leaving again without signing those trust documents for my designer account?
David: We will discuss money when I return home from my afternoon meeting.
Victoria: You always delay everything that matters to me, David.
David: That money is for Lucas's future inheritance, not endless shopping trips.
David closed the thick double front doors behind him as he stepped outside.
Victoria stomped her high heels against the marble floor with intense frustration.
She turned her sharp gaze toward Elena, who stood quietly near the kitchen entry.
Victoria: Go dust the library downstairs and leave the baby alone today.
Elena: Of course, ma'am, I will start on the shelves right now.
Elena walked toward the back wing, but her heart felt strangely heavy with worry.
She knew Victoria was angry about the locked family trust accounts.
She turned around quietly to check on the infant resting in his crib.