The morning sun poured through the grand floor windows of the lakeside manor.
Elena adjusted her light blue uniform apron as she polished the hallway tables.
She had worked for Julian as a housemaid for over three years.
Her main job was caring for baby Leo, who was barely eight months old.
Julian was a successful real estate investor who cared deeply for his son.
His first wife had passed away shortly after Leo was born into the world.
Six months ago, Julian married Victoria, a woman from a wealthy neighboring family.
Victoria always wore silk dresses and expensive gold jewelry around the house.
She acted like a loving stepmother whenever Julian was standing in the room.
However, the moment Julian left for work, her entire dynamic changed completely.
She ignored the baby and treated the household staff with cold disdain.
Elena noticed how Victoria looked at the infant with deep silent resentment.
Leo was the sole heir to Julian's vast family estate and fortune.
If anything happened to the child, Victoria stood to gain total financial control.
Elena kept a close eye on the nursery every single hour of the day.
She washed the baby bottles and organized the velvet crib blankets carefully.
She loved little Leo as if he were her own family relative.
On this warm Tuesday, Julian had an early morning corporate board meeting downtown.
He kissed his son on the forehead before walking out the front doors.
Julian: Keep a close eye on him today, Elena.
Elena: I will protect him with my life, sir.
Victoria stood at the top of the marble staircase watching Julian drive away.
A cold expression settled across her pale face as the gates closed.
Elena felt a sudden chill run down her spine as she watched Victoria walk.
She pulled the stroller closer to the wall in the light foyer.
Victoria strolled down the stairs holding a silver glass tumbler in her hand.
Victoria: Why is that noisy child still sitting in the main hallway?
Elena: He is enjoying the morning sunlight near the window, ma'am.
Victoria: Take him to the back courtyard immediately and leave him there.
Elena: The courtyard is under construction and unsafe for a baby today.
Victoria stepped closer with an angry look flashing across her bright eyes.
Victoria: Do not ever dare to question my orders in this house.
Elena held her ground firmly while clutching the stroller handle very tightly.
She knew that Victoria was looking for any excuse to cause trouble.
The tension in the foyer grew heavier as the clock struck nine o'clock.
Elena silently prayed that the morning would pass without any bad incident.