The morning sun shone bright through the towering windows of the grand mansion.
Sarah smoothed down her navy blue uniform while holding the baby boy gently.
Little Leo giggled softly while grabbing Sarah's thumb with his tiny fingers.
Sarah had worked as the family maid for nearly three whole years.
She loved the little baby like he was her own flesh and blood.
Sarah: You are such a bright little sunshine today, Leo.
The heavy oak doors echoed as footsteps walked down the upper hallway.
Evelyn stepped into view wearing a sweeping burgundy velvet dress.
Her sharp eyes narrowed as she looked down at Sarah and the baby.
Evelyn: Why are you wasting time cuddling him in the main hallway?
Sarah: I just finished feeding him his morning bottle, Mrs. Vance.
Evelyn: Your job is to clean the house, not play mother.
Sarah kept her voice quiet and polite while stepping back slightly.
Sarah: I will put him in his crib right now, ma'am.
Evelyn: Leave the crystal heirloom glass cradle on the landing first.
Evelyn pointed toward the priceless glass sculpture sitting near the top stair.
The heirloom had belonged to Mark's late mother for over forty years.
Mark cherished the delicate glass piece more than any item in the house.
Sarah: I will move it carefully to the display cabinet right away.
Evelyn: Do not touch it with your dusty hands, Sarah.
Evelyn reached out her hand toward the delicate glass base herself.
Sarah noticed Evelyn's fingers push the heavy base toward the smooth edge.
Sarah: Ma'am, please watch out because it is sitting right on the marble!
Evelyn gave a cruel smile as her palm shoved the heavy glass hard.
The crystal cradle tipped over the top step with a loud crash.
It bounced down the grand marble staircase, shattering into tiny sharp pieces.
Sarah gasped in terror and pulled the baby tightly against her chest.
Evelyn: Look at what you just did, you careless girl!
Sarah: You pushed it down the stairs on purpose, Mrs. Vance!
Evelyn: Nobody in this house will ever take your word over mine.
The sound of heavy front doors opening shook the whole entrance hall.
Mark walked inside carrying his leather briefcase after returning from his business trip.
He stopped dead in his tracks at the sight of the shattered crystal.
Mark: What in the world happened to my mother's heirloom cradle?!
Evelyn: Mark, thank goodness you are home to see this disaster!
Evelyn rushed down three steps with tears suddenly appearing in her eyes.
Evelyn: Sarah dropped it while carrying Leo near the steep stairs!
Sarah stood her ground at the bottom of the grand marble staircase.
Sarah: That is a complete lie, Mr. Vance!
Mark: Someone better explain this moment to me right now!