By early afternoon, the mansion was quiet as rain began tapping softly against the tall glass windows.
Arthur had left early that morning for an urgent board meeting at his company headquarters downtown.
Sarah was dusting the mahogany grand piano in the foyer when she heard muted voices nearby.
Victoria was standing inside the private study with the door slightly cracked open to the hallway.
Victoria: Everything is ready for the lawyer's arrival this evening.
Sarah paused her dusting, holding her breath while stepping closer to the heavy wooden door frame.
Victoria: Once the legal papers are altered, that child will no longer own the estate rights.
Sarah gasped softly, pressing her hand firmly against her mouth to suppress any sudden startling sound.
Victoria was speaking to her personal lawyer about transferring baby Leo's vast trust fund into her name.
Victoria: My husband trusts me completely, so he will sign whatever document I put before him.
Sarah felt a chill run down her spine as she realized the true depth of Victoria's evil plan.
Victoria intended to strip the defenseless baby of his entire legal future while Arthur was kept completely blind.
If Sarah spoke up without proof, Arthur might not believe a simple maid over his glamorous wife.
She needed to stay watchful and catch Victoria in the act before any real harm was done.
Sarah: I have to save this baby's future.
She walked quickly back to the kitchen, her hands trembling as she poured fresh warm baby milk.
Minutes later, Victoria walked into the kitchen wearing an elegant emerald green velvet gown for dinner.
Victoria: Sarah, take the child down to the grand foyer while I check the mail delivery.
Sarah: Yes, Mrs. Vance, right away.
Sarah held baby Leo safely in her arms, walking carefully toward the grand white marble staircase.
She could feel the heavy tension gathering over the mansion like dark clouds before a severe storm.