Clara spent the early afternoon moving carefully through the quiet mansion hallways.
She needed hard evidence that would convince Lucas of his wife's treachery.
Words from a simple maid would never stand against a wealthy woman's denial.
Clara noticed that Victoria left her study unlocked while taking a phone call.
The maid slipped inside the room while holding a soft dusting cloth.
She pretended to clean the bookshelf while scanning the dark mahogany desk.
Several legal documents lay scattered near an open leather briefcase on the table.
Clara stepped closer and read the top heading of the official legal papers.
The paperwork was a petition for full legal guardianship and asset transfer.
Victoria was attempting to declare Lucas unfit due to his frequent work travel.
She had drafted papers to send baby Ethan away to a remote boarding nursery.
Once the baby was gone, Victoria would gain complete control of the money.
Clara pulled her mobile phone from her apron pocket with shaking fingers.
She snapped clear photographs of every single page lying on the desk.
Victoria: What are you doing in my private office right now?
Clara spun around quickly and shoved her phone deep into her pocket.
Victoria stood in the doorway with her arms crossed over her green gown.
Clara: I was just dusting the shelves as part of my afternoon chores.
Victoria: You do not clean this room unless I specifically tell you to.
Clara: I apologize, ma'am, I will leave immediately and return later.
Victoria: Leave your apron on the table because you are fired right now.
Clara felt a cold wave of panic wash over her entire body instantly.
If she was thrown out now, baby Ethan would be completely unprotected.
Clara: Please, Mrs. Vance, I need this job to support my family.
Victoria: I do not care about your personal problems or your family.
Victoria pointed toward the hallway with an arrogant, triumphant sneer on her face.
Clara knew she could not leave the premises without reaching the baby first.
She lowered her gaze to appear submissive and walked past Victoria slowly.
As soon as she crossed the threshold, Clara made a crucial decision.
She did not walk toward the back exit or the staff quarters downstairs.
Instead, she sprinted directly up the private rear stairs toward the baby's room.
Victoria realized what was happening and shouted angrily from the grand hallway.
Victoria: Security, stop that maid before she reaches the nursery upstairs!
Clara moved faster than she had ever run in her entire life.
She reached the nursery door and locked it firmly from the inside.
Little Ethan woke up from his nap and began to cry softly.
Clara lifted the child into her arms and held him tight against her chest.
She looked out the high window and saw a dark storm gathering outside.
Time was running out, and the main confrontation was about to begin.