The grand estate stood at the very top of the leafy suburban neighborhood.
Adrian lived in the large house with his young daughter Lily and his new wife Brenda.
He worked long hours as a corporate lawyer handling high stakes business deals.
Brenda married Adrian six months ago after a brief and intense romance.
She loved the status and the wealth that came with his famous last name.
Elena worked as the live in maid and took care of the home every day.
She was quiet and hardworking because she needed to support her own small family.
Elena adored baby Maya, who had joined the family just three short months ago.
Brenda never seemed comfortable around the sweet little baby girl.
She viewed the child as a rival for Adrian's fortune and deep affection.
Elena noticed how cold Brenda was whenever Adrian left the house for work.
The tension in the mansion grew stronger with every passing week.
Brenda often complained about Elena's work to make Adrian doubt her loyalty.
She wanted Elena fired so she could hire someone loyal to her alone.
Elena kept her head down and focused only on keeping baby Maya safe.
Lily, who was twelve years old, saw how cruel Brenda could truly be.
Lily missed her late mother and did not trust her new stepmother at all.
She kept her distance and watched Brenda's actions from afar with smart eyes.
One sunny afternoon, Adrian was preparing to leave for an important court hearing.
Brenda walked near the top of the grand marble staircase in a silk dress.
Elena was downstairs wiping down the glass tables in the large formal foyer.
The grey stroller sat at the top landing near the heavy wooden doors.
Brenda checked the hallway to see if anyone was watching her right then.
She believed the floor was completely clear of any witnesses.
Elena looked up just in time to see the wheels start moving forward.