Vanessa sat on the cold floor clutching her scratched cheek in disbelief.
She watched David turn his back on her to comfort his crying son.
Rachel kept her arms wrapped around Leo while shooting Vanessa a triumphant smirk.
The toddler was already calming down inside his mother's warm embrace.
Vanessa picked herself up slowly while leaning against the sturdy banister.
She wiped a stray tear from her eye and adjusted her stained dress.
Vanessa: David, you have to let me explain what actually happened.
David did not even look back as he checked his son's small arms.
David: Pack your things from the guest room right now.
Vanessa felt a heavy weight settle deep in her chest.
She had worked as the family estate manager for nearly two years.
She had always cared for Leo as if he were her own nephew.
Rachel had joined the household only six months ago as David's new wife.
From the first day, Rachel had viewed Vanessa as an unwanted presence.
Vanessa looked around the grand hallway that had felt like home until today.
She knew that arguing in this moment would only make David angrier.
She walked slowly up the wide stairs toward her small living quarters.
Every step felt heavier than the last as her mind raced rapidly.
She remembered seeing Rachel stand near the top of the stairs earlier.
Rachel had placed a small plastic toy right near the top step.
Vanessa had not thought much of it when she first walked past.
Now the horrifying pattern was beginning to make complete sense to her.
Rachel wanted her out of the estate at any personal cost.
Vanessa closed her bedroom door and leaned against the painted wood.
She took a deep breath to steady her rapidly beating heart.
She refused to let herself be ruined by a terrible lie.
She opened her closet and pulled out her navy canvas suitcase.
She began packing her clothes while planning her next careful move.