The bright summer sun shone brightly over the grand estate belonging to Julian Vance.
Julian was a wealthy businessman who loved his infant son, Leo, more than anything else in the world.
His mansion was filled with costly marble, fine artwork, and soft carpets in every room.
However, the house felt empty after Julian lost his wife during childbirth a year ago.
To help care for his home and baby, Julian hired a dedicated maid named Elena.
Elena had worked for the family for six months and treated tiny Leo like her own child.
She kept the nursery spotless and always sang gentle songs whenever the baby cried.
Julian trusted Elena completely because she was honest, hard-working, and kind.
Elena: You are growing so fast today, little Leo.
She smiled as she folded a soft yellow blanket inside the warm nursery.
Elena: Your daddy will be home from his big meeting very soon.
The peaceful environment changed when Julian began dating a woman named Chloe.
Chloe was a former model who wore expensive designer dresses and sparkly jewels.
She acted sweet whenever Julian was present in the room.
She spoke with a soft voice and pretended to care about little Leo.
However, the moment Julian left for his office, Chloe changed her attitude entirely.
She treated the household staff with harsh disdain and ignored the crying baby.
Elena noticed how Chloe looked at baby Leo with cold hatred in her eyes.
Chloe: Put that dirty baby away before he ruins my new dress.
She snapped at Elena while checking her golden wrist watch in the hallway.
Elena: He is just a child, Miss Chloe.
Elena: He needs warmth and affection from his family.
Chloe: Do not speak back to me, servant.
Chloe rolled her eyes and turned away toward the huge living room.
Elena held the baby tighter and felt a sudden chill run down her spine.
She knew Chloe only cared about Julian's massive fortune and luxury mansion.
Julian had recently mentioned marrying Chloe and giving her access to his trust fund.
Elena worried about what would happen to little Leo if Chloe became his stepmother.
She decided to keep a close eye on Chloe whenever Julian was away.
The tension inside the quiet mansion grew stronger with every passing day.
Elena continued her daily chores while staying alert to every sound.
She carried clean towels toward the kitchen near the back storerooms.
Suddenly, she heard a strange rattling noise near the dark basement door.
Her heart began to beat faster as she walked quietly down the hall.
She stopped near the large walk-in cold storage room used for food.
The heavy iron door was pushed shut, and a latch was slid into place.
Elena heard a faint, muffled crying sound coming from inside the dark cold box.
Her face turned pale as she realized what was happening.
She dropped her laundry basket right onto the polished marble floor.
She ran toward the cold storage door without hesitating for a single second.