Sarah adjusted her crisp apron as she walked through the sunlit hallway of the Sterling estate.
The morning light bounced off the pristine white marble floors and gilded frames.
Despite the beautiful surroundings, a heavy sense of dread weighed down on her chest.
She had worked for Mark Sterling as a nanny for over six months now.
Mark was a hardworking businessman who spent long hours securing his family's vast fortune.
His wife, Victoria, was a cold woman who rarely showed genuine affection to anyone.
Lately, Victoria had been acting stranger and more aggressive toward little Leo.
Leo was only one year old and depended entirely on the adults around him.
Sarah heard a sudden muffled cry coming from the main living room.
She stopped in her tracks and set down the pile of folded towels.
Her heart started beating rapidly against her ribs as the crying grew louder.
She tiptoed toward the grand archway that led into the sitting area.
Victoria was standing over the small beige armchair where Leo was resting.
In her right hand, Victoria held a heavy clothes iron, steam rising high into the air.
Her face looked twisted with an unnatural, cold anger as she leaned downward.
Leo was screaming hysterically, his tiny cheeks wet with constant flowing tears.
Sarah did not hesitate for even a single second to protect the child.
She sprinted across the polished floor, her shoes squeaking on the smooth marble.
Sarah: Madam, no! Stop right now!
Victoria turned her head sharply, her eyes flashing with pure fury.
Sarah threw her weight forward and pushed Victoria back toward the sofa.
The hot iron clattered harmlessly onto the heat-safe tray on the side table.
Sarah snatched little Leo into her arms and pulled him against her chest.
Sarah: Shh, it's okay, you are safe with me now.
Victoria regained her balance and straightened her long satin dress with shaking hands.
Victoria: How dare you lay your hands on me, you ungrateful maid!
Sarah: I will never let you harm this defenseless baby!
Victoria: You are fired! Get out of my house before I call the police!
Sarah stood her ground firmly, holding the crying toddler close to her heart.