Over the next few weeks, Victoria began visiting the estate much more frequently during the busy weekdays.
She ordered the staff around with loud harsh commands and constantly complained about tiny minor details.
Nora noticed that Victoria seemed especially bothered whenever little Leo was playing in the bright living room.
The child was naturally shy and usually kept to himself with his colorful wooden building blocks.
One rainy afternoon, Arthur had to leave town for an urgent emergency board meeting across the state.
He kissed Leo on the forehead and said a gentle goodbye before stepping into his black limousine.
Arthur: Please take good care of my boy while I am gone for the next two days.
Victoria: Do not worry at all, my love, he is in very safe hands with me.
As soon as the car drove out of the long gates, Victoria's bright smile instantly disappeared.
She walked into the quiet living room where Leo was playing happily on the soft colorful rug.
Victoria: Stop making all that noisy racket with those cheap plastic toys right now!
Leo looked up in quiet fear and pulled his favorite teddy bear close against his small chest.
Nora stepped into the doorway holding a fresh basket of clean folded white towels.
Nora: Miss Victoria, he is just playing quietly with his wooden blocks on the rug.
Victoria: Did I ask for your input, or did I tell you to go clean the bathrooms?
Nora swallowed her rising anger because she could not afford to lose her crucial job.
She stepped back into the hallway, but she stayed nearby to keep a close eye on Leo.
Later that evening, Nora overheard Victoria talking loudly on her phone in the private library room.
Victoria: Once the marriage is final, I will convince Arthur to send that brat to boarding school.
Victoria: I am not going to let a child ruin my access to the vast family trust fund.
Nora gasped quietly behind the heavy oak door and covered her mouth with both trembling hands.
She realized that Victoria did not love Arthur or his sweet boy at all.
Victoria only wanted access to the massive family fortune and the luxurious estate grounds.
Nora swore to herself right then that she would protect little Leo no matter what happened next.