Maria took the baby downstairs into the bright living room for safety.
An American flag hung proudly on the back wall near the double patio doors.
The sunlight illuminated every corner of the clean white and marble space.
Maria sat on the beige leather sofa and rocked the gentle baby quietly.
She pulled out her personal mobile phone with a trembling right hand.
She dialed Ethan's private direct office line without waiting another minute.
Maria: Mr. Ethan, please return home right now because something is very wrong.
Ethan: What is happening Maria, is Leo okay at the house?
Maria: Leo is safe in my arms, but Victoria is out of control.
Ethan: I am getting into my car right now and heading straight back.
Maria hung up the call and held the small phone against her chest.
She heard heavy footsteps approaching down the wide marble hallway floor.
Victoria walked into the living room holding a stack of official legal papers.
These were the original trust fund certificates and adoption records for baby Leo.
Victoria held the hot steaming iron in her right hand once again.
Victoria: Since I cannot throw you out yet, I will destroy these records.
Maria: Those are the legal ownership papers for the entire family estate!
Victoria: Without these documents, my future children will inherit everything instead of him.
Victoria laid the important paper stack on the table and raised the hot iron.
Thick white smoke billowed from the hot appliance into the bright living room.
Maria: Get your dirty hands off that child's inheritance right now!
Maria set the baby down gently on the far end of the sofa.
She sprang forward with all her strength and shoved Victoria away firmly.
The heavy clothes iron fell onto the marble floor with a loud clattering sound.
Victoria: You crazy servant, you just ruined your entire life!
Victoria stumbled backward and fell hard against the edge of the sofa.
Maria stood tall between the cruel woman and the crying baby on sofa.
Maria: I will never let you ruin this innocent child's future!
The large front double doors suddenly burst open with a resounding bang.