Elena carried a fresh tray of black coffee down the wide marble hallway toward the study.
She paused near the entrance when she heard raised voices coming from behind the door.
Julian was speaking in a quiet, firm voice while examining several thick legal documents.
Julian: My mother made her intentions perfectly clear before she passed away last summer.
Victoria: But darling, establishing a trust fund for Lily leaves us with far less capital!
Julian: The estate belongs to my daughter's future, not to luxury vacations or shopping.
Victoria let out a loud, frustrated sigh that echoed clearly into the silent hallway outside.
Elena knocked gently on the wooden door before stepping carefully inside the quiet room.
She set the porcelain cup onto the polished mahogany desk beside the leather folder.
Elena: Here is your fresh morning coffee, Mr. Sterling, just the way you like it.
Julian: Thank you, Elena, you are always so thoughtful and prompt with your work.
Victoria glared directly at Elena, her eyes narrowing into sharp slots of pure anger.
Victoria: Leave us immediately, maid, we are discussing private family matters right now.
Elena bowed her head slightly and backed out of the room without saying another word.
She returned to the upper floor balcony landing to finish her morning cleaning tasks.
While dusting the high shelves, Elena noticed an old wooden chest resting on the table.
The brass latch had been pried open, revealing a thick bundle of velvet-wrapped papers.
It was the original family inheritance agreement signed by Julian's late grandmother years ago.
The document clearly stated that the mansion would automatically transfer to Lily upon adulthood.
Elena remembered how much Julian treasured those historic documents protecting his young daughter.
Suddenly, footsteps sounded heavily on the wooden stairs behind her in the wide corridor.
Victoria marched up the steps with a look of extreme anger written across her face.
She noticed Elena standing near the antique table where the open chest rested quietly.
Victoria: What are you doing snooping around these private family heirlooms up here?
Elena: I was only dusting the table frame, Mrs. Sterling, as part of my duties.
Victoria: Step away from that table before I have you fired for stealing right now!