The grand estate of the Vance family was always quiet in the early afternoon.
Sunlight poured through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows of the main living room.
A large American flag hung proudly above the dark mahogany mantle.
In the center of the room rested an ornate white baby cradle.
Inside the cradle, little Leo was babbling happily with his soft cotton blanket.
Victoria finished wiping down the marble coffee table with a clean cloth.
She was employed as the house manager, taking care of everyday tasks.
Her life revolved around ensuring little Leo was safe and comfortable every single day.
She stepped into the hallway for just a moment to grab fresh linens.
That was when Evelyn walked into the quiet room with a dark expression.
Evelyn was Richard's new fiancée, a woman obsessed with wealth and status.
She wore a glittering golden gown that rustled against the polished floors.
In her right hand, she carried a heavy electric iron used for delicate curtains.
Evelyn disliked the child because he reminded her of Richard's late first wife.
She leaned over the cradle, her eyes cold as she looked down.
She plugged the cord into the low wall outlet beside the white frame.
The iron began to hum softly as heat radiated off the metal base.
Evelyn whispered harsh words under her breath toward the defenseless infant.
The baby continued to smile, unaware of the sudden danger beside him.
Victoria heard the faint sound of the iron heating up from down the hall.
Her heart dropped instantly as she dropped the fresh sheets onto a chair.
She hurried back toward the living room with fast, quiet steps.
Evelyn raised the hot iron near the edge of the crib frame.
She wanted to cause harm to hurt Victoria and force her out of the house.
Victoria rounded the doorway just as Evelyn reached into the cradle.
A cold wave of fear rushed through Victoria's body as she saw the scene.
She knew she had only seconds to stop a terrible nightmare from happening.