Clara adjusted her crisp navy tunic before carrying the silver tray into the dining room.
She had worked for the Vance family for nearly three years as a domestic assistant.
The estate was massive, featuring high ceilings and expensive artwork in every room.
David Vance was a wealthy property developer who lost his beloved wife two years ago.
He lived in the estate with his infant daughter named Lily.
Six months ago, David married a model named Victoria.
Victoria preferred expensive red gowns and flashy diamond jewelry over quiet family life.
She never showed genuine affection toward little Lily.
Clara often noticed how Victoria looked at the baby with cold contempt.
David was frequently away on business trips across the country.
That left Victoria in charge of the household for long stretches of time.
Clara spent most of her shifts quietly taking care of chores around the mansion.
She also helped the nanny watch over sweet baby Lily whenever needed.
On this particular afternoon, the mansion was unusually quiet.
David was expected home from the airport in just a few minutes.
Victoria was pacing near the grand marble staircase in the main foyer.
She wore a bright crimson dress studded with small, gleaming diamonds.
Clara was polishing the silver tea set near the hallway corner.
She heard the faint sound of stroller wheels rolling across the tile floor.
Clara stepped out from behind the hallway archway to check the corridor.
Victoria stood at the top of the grand marble staircase holding the stroller handle.
Lily was resting inside the stroller wrapped in a soft pink blanket.
Victoria looked down the long flight of stone steps with a blank expression.
Clara felt a sudden wave of unease wash over her chest.
She set her polishing cloth down on a side table quietly.
Victoria lowered her hand to the frame of the stroller.
She gave the modern stroller a strong, deliberate push toward the drop.
The front wheels tipped over the top marble step instantly.