The bright sunlight streamed through the tall glass windows of the grand mansion.
Every marble surface gleamed under the soft glow of the high ceiling chandeliers.
Clara smoothed her spotless white apron as she walked quietly down the wide hallway.
She had worked as a housekeeper for the wealthy Vance family for three years.
Her main duty was caring for seven-year-old Ethan after his biological mother passed away.
Ethan was a quiet boy who spent most of his afternoons reading in his room.
Everything in the household changed when Victor married his new wife six months ago.
Serena was a sharp woman who wore expensive golden gowns and demanded total obedience.
She disliked Clara from her very first day in the grand residence.
Serena often complained about minor dust spots that did not even exist on the tables.
She wanted to hire her own personal staff to replace the loyal old workers.
Victor was a busy businessman who spent long hours managing his global company investments.
He trusted his new wife completely with the daily household management and family affairs.
However, Clara noticed how Ethan flinched whenever Serena entered the grand dining room.
The boy would freeze in his chair and lower his eyes to his plate.
Clara: Are you feeling alright today, little Ethan?
Ethan: I am just waiting for Dad to come back from his morning meetings.
Clara gave the boy a gentle smile and patted his shoulder softly.
Clara: He will be back before lunch just like he promised you yesterday.
Serena walked down the sweeping curved staircase wearing a striking metallic golden gown.
Her high heels clicked loudly against the spotless white marble floor tiles.
Serena: Why are you lingering around my stepson instead of cleaning the library?
Clara: I was just bringing Ethan his morning glass of fresh orange juice.
Serena crossed her arms and stared down at the humble maid with cold eyes.
Serena: You spend far too much time talking and not enough time working.
Ethan shrank back into his soft leather armchair near the large fireplace screen.
Ethan: She was just helping me with my coat, Stepmother.
Serena: Keep quiet when the adults are speaking, Ethan.
Clara picked up her cleaning tray to avoid causing any further argument.
She knew that arguing with Serena would only put her job at risk.
She needed this salary to pay for her elderly mother's monthly medical treatments.
So she nodded respectfully and headed toward the main hallway floor.
As she walked away, she heard Serena whispering harsh words to the young child.
Clara's heart ached because she loved the lonely boy like her own family.
She resolved to keep a close eye on the boy throughout the long day.
A storm was brewing inside the giant mansion, and nobody was safe from it.