Clara adjusted her white apron as she walked down the polished marble hallway of the Vance estate.
The bright chandeliers cast long shadows across the expensive oil paintings hanging on the tall cream walls.
Tonight was the annual charity gala hosted by Julian Vance, a wealthy real estate developer in Chicago.
Over one hundred guests in tuxedos and evening gowns filled the grand ballroom nearby.
Laughter and the gentle clinking of champagne glasses drifted down the wide corridor.
Clara had worked as a maid for the Vance family for nearly three years.
She loved little Leo, Julian's seven-year-old son from his first marriage.
Leo was a quiet boy with bright green eyes and a warm smile.
His mother had passed away three years ago after a long illness.
Six months ago, Julian had married Evelyn, a cold socialite who spent money without care.
Evelyn never liked young Leo and often complained about his presence in the mansion.
Three days ago, Evelyn announced to the staff that Leo had been sent away to an elite boarding school in Vermont.
Julian had been devastated by the decision, but Evelyn convinced him it was best for the boy's education.
Clara had felt a strange heaviness in her chest ever since Leo supposedly left.
She had not seen the black car pick him up that morning.
She had only found his favorite teddy bear left behind under his bed.
As Clara carried a heavy tray of silver polish past the west wing corridor, she stopped suddenly.
The west wing was usually empty during large evening parties.
She placed her hand flat against the cool wallpaper near a heavy framed portrait.
A tiny, rhythmic scratching sound came from inside the wall.
Clara leaned her ear close to the cold drywall.
She held her breath while the noise of the party echoed in the distance.
A soft, muffled whimpering floated through the plaster.
It sounded like a child crying out for help in a dark space.
Her heart pounded wildly inside her chest.
She recognized that soft, trembling voice instantly.
It was young Leo.
Clara dropped her tray onto the plush carpet with a loud clatter.
She ran toward the utility closet at the end of the long service hallway.
Her hands shook as she grabbed a heavy steel sledgehammer meant for renovation work.
She rushed back to the west wing wall without hesitating for a single second.
She raised the heavy tool over her right shoulder with all her strength.
The heavy iron head smashed into the pristine white drywall with a deafening crash.