Claire stood near the high arched window inside the quiet living room.
She looked out over the wide green lawn that stretched toward the private driveway.
Her life inside the massive estate had felt lonely for several long months.
Her husband Ethan spent most of his days running his family business downtown.
He carried the massive pressure of managing a multi-million dollar inheritance alone.
That huge financial burden left very little time for quiet family moments at home.
Claire held her sweet baby son named Sophie close against her shoulder.
The young boy breathed softly while resting his small head against her cheek.
He was the most precious part of her simple everyday life.
She walked slowly across the shiny white marble floors of the bright home.
A massive United States flag hung proudly against the crisp white foyer wall.
Ethan had placed it there after taking over his late father's legacy.
The house was always quiet until Victoria arrived late every afternoon.
Victoria was Ethan's distant cousin who managed the estate's complex books.
She always wore expensive silk dresses and carried a sharp designer handbag.
Claire often felt uneasy whenever Victoria stepped inside the grand front doors.
Victoria always smiled, but her dark eyes stayed cold and guarded.
She treated the beautiful estate as if it already belonged to her.
Claire placed Sophie gently down into his wooden crib near the staircase.
Victoria: You look tired today, Claire.
Claire turned around quickly to see Victoria standing near the open door.
Claire: The baby was awake all night, so I am just resting.
Victoria: You should take a long bath upstairs while I watch him.
Claire hesitated because she never liked leaving her baby boy alone.
Claire: Are you sure you do not mind sitting here for a few minutes?
Victoria: Of course I do not mind helping family members in need.
Claire gave a small smile and walked slowly up the curved stairs.
She wanted to believe that Victoria was finally trying to be kind.
The heavy house fell completely quiet as soon as Claire left the floor.
Victoria stood alone near the crib with a cold look upon her face.
She looked around the empty foyer to make sure nobody was watching.
Her long fingers tapped against the polished wooden rail of the crib.
She had spent months planning a way to destroy Ethan's happy life.
Victoria believed that the vast family estate belonged entirely to her side.
She wanted to make Claire look like a completely careless mother.
She carefully reached down into the soft crib with both hands.