The morning sun filtered through the grand windows of the Whitman mansion in upstate New York.
Seven-year-old Leo Whitman adjusted his pastel-blue suit while sitting quietly on the living room sofa.
His father, Richard Whitman, was a successful real estate mogul who inherited a massive family fortune.
Since Leo's mother passed away three years ago, the house had felt empty and silent.
That quietness vanished the day Richard married Victoria, a woman obsessed with status and wealth.
Victoria walked into the living room wearing an expensive royal blue evening dress.
She looked down at little Leo with cold, calculating eyes.
Victoria: Why are you wearing that ridiculous suit inside my house?
Leo: My daddy bought it for me for the charity gala tonight.
Victoria: Your daddy spends far too much money on a boy who does not appreciate fine things.
Hannah, the head housekeeper, quickly stepped out of the kitchen with a fresh tray of silver cutlery.
She had worked for the Whitman family for over ten years and loved Leo like her own son.
Hannah noticed the cruel look in Victoria's eyes and immediately felt protective.
Hannah: The young master looks very handsome today, Mrs. Whitman.
Victoria: I did not ask for your opinion, Hannah.
Victoria turned her back on the maid and poured herself a glass of orange juice.
Richard stepped into the foyer wearing a crisp dark suit and checking his gold watch.
Richard: Good morning, everyone. I have an early meeting with our probate lawyer regarding the family trust fund.
Victoria: Are you reviewing the inheritance documents again, darling?
Richard: Yes, I am ensuring Leo's financial future is completely secure before the end of the year.
Victoria clenched her jaw, though she forced a bright smile for her husband.
Victoria: That is very thoughtful of you, my dear.
Richard kissed his son on the head before grabbing his leather briefcase.
Richard: Be a good boy for Victoria while I am at the office, Leo.
Leo: I will, Daddy.
Richard left the house, leaving the front door echoing behind him.
As soon as the car pulled out of the driveway, Victoria's smile completely vanished.
She stared at Leo with open hatred, realizing the boy stood between her and total control of the estate.
Hannah carefully monitored the hallway, sensing that something terrible was brewing in the house.