The morning sun filtered through the tall windows of the grand Dallas mansion.
Eight-year-old Elena stood near the front foyer holding a small sponge.
The white marble floor stretched out in front of her like an endless mirror.
Her stepmother, Nora, stood near the staircase with her arms crossed tight.
Nora watched the young girl with a cold and unforgiving glare.
Elena wiped her brow and looked up at the large framed flag on the bright wall.
She missed her father deeply whenever he had to travel for business overseas.
Richard Vance was a wealthy man who trusted his family above everything else.
He had built his software empire from nothing through hard work and determination.
After losing his first wife, he wanted Elena to have a loving home environment.
He had married Nora a year ago, believing she would be a caring mother.
However, the moment Richard left for long business trips, Nora completely changed her attitude.
She treated young Elena like an unwanted servant inside the massive estate.
Nora demanded that the girl clean rooms, fetch tea, and scrub pristine floors daily.
Elena was terrified to complain because Nora always threatened to send her away.
The young girl dipped her hands into the cool water bucket once more.
Her small fingers were red from scrubbing the tile corners for over an hour.
She wanted to make her father proud and avoid any harsh arguments at home.
Nora tapped her high heels sharply against the smooth marble floor surface.
The tapping sound echoed loudly through the empty corridors of the mansion.
Nora: You missed a huge spot over by the front door frame.
Elena looked over at the spotless white tile near the heavy double doors.
Elena: I scrubbed that spot three times already today, Aunt Nora.
Nora: Do not use that tone with me inside this house, young lady.
Nora stepped forward quickly, her eyes narrowing into a sharp glare.
She grabbed the bucket handle and dumped the soapy water across the floor.
The clear water spilled over the clean marble, soaking Elena's small white dress.
Elena gasped in shock as the cold liquid ruined her simple cotton clothing.
She wiped away a tear before it could fall down her soft cheek.
Elena: Why are you being so mean to me every single day?
Nora: Because this is my home now, and you will respect my power.
Nora pointed her finger down at the wet floor with absolute coldness.
Nora: Clean every drop up before your father's private flight lands tonight.
Elena knelt down slowly and began wiping the water with her small towel.
She remembered her father's promise that he would return home before sunset today.
That small thought gave the young girl the strength to stay quiet for now.
She knew that her father loved her more than anything else in the world.
Yet she had no idea how far Nora was willing to go today.
Nora walked toward the grand kitchen, leaving Elena alone in the quiet foyer.
The young girl kept scrubbing, counting the minutes until her dad arrived safely.