The sound of frantic crying echoed down the high marble corridors of the mansion.
Maya froze in the hallway as she recognized young Leo's distressed voice.
She dropped her feather duster and ran toward the second-floor nursery.
The double doors to the nursery were standing wide open.
Inside, Victoria stood directly beside the wooden crib with a glare on her face.
She held a bright red lighter near the child's crib to intimidate the maid.
Maya gasped loudly as her heart pounded wildly inside her chest.
She rushed forward across the thick carpet to shield the innocent child.
Maya scooped the crying infant tightly into her protective arms.
She backed away toward the corner of the nursery, holding Leo close.
Maya: Stop it, leave him alone! Get away from him!
Victoria turned around slowly with a menacing glare in her eyes.
Victoria: Tell me where Maya hid it right now!
Maya: You will never hurt this child as long as I am standing here!
Victoria: He's a child! She knows too much about what belongs to me!
Maya gently rocked the frightened baby to calm his loud sobs.
Tears rolled down Maya's cheeks as she held the baby close to her shoulder.
She realized Victoria was completely desperate to destroy whatever evidence existed.
The red flash drive in her pocket felt heavier than ever before.
It was clear that the drive held the key to Victoria's dark secrets.
Victoria took a step forward, extending her hand demandingly.
Victoria: Hand over what you took, or I will call the police immediately!
Maya: Call them! Let them search this entire house and see what you are doing!
Victoria gritted her teeth in frustration as the child continued to cry softly.
Maya stood her ground firmly, refusing to yield to the wealthy woman's threats.
She knew that backing down now would put both herself and Leo in danger.