The morning sunlight streamed through the massive glass windows of the grand estate.
Elena adjusted the small pink bow in her baby daughter's soft brown hair.
Little Maya giggled quietly as she reached for the silver rattle on the high chair.
Elena smiled softly at her innocent little girl while smoothing down her maroon silk robe.
The mansion was unusually quiet for a Saturday morning in early spring.
Her husband had left early for a business meeting across the city.
That left Elena alone in the high-ceilinged dining room with her stepmother Victoria.
Victoria sat at the head of the polished mahogany table sipping black coffee.
She wore a tailored silver dress that matched her cold posture perfectly.
Elena took a deep breath as she set a bowl of warm cereal down.
Elena: Good morning, Victoria.
Victoria did not even bother to look up from her tablet screen.
Victoria: It would be a better morning if that child remained silent.
Elena felt a tight knot form in her stomach at those sharp words.
Elena: She is only eight months old, Victoria.
Victoria: She is a constant distraction from the real family matters.
Elena pulled the high chair slightly closer to her own chair for safety.
She knew Victoria had hated her ever since she married into the family.
Victoria was the second wife of the powerful family patriarch Arthur Vance.
Arthur had accumulated a massive fortune through real estate and logistics across the country.
When Arthur married Victoria five years ago, everyone thought she was a blessing.
She was sharp, educated, and seemed dedicated to keeping the family business growing.
However, beneath her polished look was a woman driven purely by greed.
Victoria wanted full control over the family trust fund and the primary estate.
The arrival of little Maya had completely disrupted Victoria's personal financial strategy.
As long as Maya was part of the legal bloodline, Victoria's share was reduced.
Maya cooed happily as she knocked her wooden block off the tray.
The block bounced across the pristine white marble floor with a loud click.
Victoria slammed her coffee cup down onto the saucers with sudden force.
Victoria: Can you not keep your child under control for five minutes?
Elena: She just dropped a wooden toy on the tile.
Victoria: This home is a historical property, not a noisy playground.
Elena picked up the toy and wiped it carefully with a napkin.
Elena: Arthur loves having his granddaughter right here in the main house.
Victoria leaned forward with her eyes narrowing into dangerous slits.
Victoria: Arthur is an old man who listens to foolish emotional ideas.
Elena stood up straighter as her heart rate began to pick up speed.
Elena: Do not speak about my father-in-law with such disrespect.
Victoria: I speak the truth because I protect this family's money.
Maya sensed the growing hostility in the room and stopped her giggling.
The tiny girl began to whimper, reaching out her hands toward Elena.
Elena leaned over the chair to comfort her frightened little girl.
Elena: It is okay, sweetie, mommy is right here with you.
Victoria stood up slowly from her seat, her chair scraping the floor loud.
Victoria: That child does not deserve to sit under this famous roof.
Elena looked into Victoria's eyes and saw pure hatred shining back.
She realized then that Victoria was planning something far worse than harsh words.