By late afternoon, the atmosphere inside the mansion had grown tense and uncomfortably quiet.
Victoria spent hours on the phone speaking in hushed tones to an unknown lawyer downtown.
Elena watched from the kitchen as Victoria paced back and forth across the wide marble terrace.
She overheard snippets of conversation regarding bank transfers and sole guardianship paperwork.
It became clear that Victoria was attempting to alter the family trust before Arthur returned home.
Elena felt her heart pounding rapidly against her ribs as the reality settled in.
She knew she had to collect proof before speaking up against the powerful woman.
Little Leo began to cry softly inside his crib as the evening shadows lengthened.
Elena walked into the nursery to comfort the baby and check his evening routine.
Before she could lift the child, Victoria walked into the room with a cold expression.
She reached over and grabbed the key to the nursery door right off the wooden dresser.
Victoria: Leave the room immediately because I am locking this door for the rest of the evening!
Elena: Please do not do this, the baby needs his evening bottle and care!
Victoria: You work for me, and you will follow my strict instructions without questioning me!
Elena stood her ground firmly between Victoria and the wooden baby crib in the corner.
She refused to leave the innocent child alone in a locked room under any circumstances.
Victoria stepped forward aggressively and demanded that Elena hand over the nursery keys right now.
When Elena held the keys tightly, Victoria raised her hand and shoved Elena away forcefully.
Elena stumbled backward against the wall as the sharp sound echoed through the hallway.
The force of the push left a dark bruise on Elena's forearm against the hard trim.
She gasped in shock as Victoria pulled the heavy nursery door shut with a loud bang.
Victoria turned the key quickly in the lock and pocketed it inside her satin dress.
Elena stood near the locked doorway with tears of frustration and anger in her eyes.
She realized that Victoria was willing to go to extreme lengths to isolate the baby.
Elena knew she had to act quickly before Arthur's arrival late that evening.
She pulled her cell phone from her apron pocket to call Arthur directly without delay.
However, Victoria snatched the device right out of Elena's trembling hands before she dialed.
Victoria: You will stay in your quarters until morning if you know what is good for you!