The sun shone brightly over the grand marble estate on a quiet Tuesday morning.
Inside the vast house, tiny six-year-old Leo sat alone on the polished floor.
He was playing quietly with a small plastic race car near the grand staircase.
His mother had passed away two years ago, leaving a heavy silence behind.
His father, Richard, was a wealthy businessman who worked long hours in the city.
Richard loved his son deeply, but his constant travel left Leo feeling very lonely.
Three months ago, Richard had married a beautiful woman named Victoria.
Victoria always wore expensive designer dresses and smiled warmly whenever Richard was around.
She acted like the perfect mother whenever her husband walked into the room.
However, the moment Richard left for work, her sweet smile vanished instantly.
She treated the household staff with harsh contempt and ignored little Leo completely.
Leo was terrified of his new stepmother and always tried to stay out of her way.
Elena, the young housemaid, was the only person who paid attention to Leo's tears.
Elena had worked in the mansion for three years and truly loved the sweet boy.
She noticed how Leo flinched whenever Victoria walked past him in the hallway.
Elena knew that Victoria was hiding a very dark personality behind her beautiful face.
She gently cleaned the marble floor near the stairs while keeping an eye on Leo.
Leo pushed his toy car across the shiny tiles with a quiet hum.
Elena: Be careful near the steps, sweetheart.
Leo: I am being very quiet, Elena.
Elena: You are a good boy, Leo.
Suddenly, the sound of heavy high heels echoed down the grand hallway.
Victoria appeared at the top of the stairs, wearing a striking white designer gown.
Her eyebrows were pulled down in an angry scowl as she glared down at Leo.
Victoria: Why are you making so much noise down there?
Leo: I am just playing with my car, Victoria.
Victoria: I told you to stay in your bedroom until lunch time!
Elena: He is not bothering anyone, ma'am.
Victoria: Do not speak unless you are spoken to, servant!
Elena lowered her head, but her hands tightened around her cleaning cloth.
Victoria walked down the first few steps, her eyes flashing with intense hatred.
She did not want a child from a previous marriage ruining her financial plans.
She wanted Richard's vast inheritance all to herself and dreamed of total control.
Leo scrambled to his feet and picked up his small plastic car nervously.
Leo: I am sorry, I will go upstairs now.
Victoria: Move faster, you annoying little brat!
Victoria reached out aggressively toward the young boy as he stood near the edge.