The grand mansion sat quietly under the bright afternoon sun that filled the marble foyer.
Sarah pulled the dust cloth across the glossy mahogany table near the tall front entrance.
She had worked as a housekeeper for the wealthy Sterling family for nearly five years.
Her daily routine was usually calm and predictable despite the massive size of the estate.
Everything changed three months ago when Richard Sterling brought his newborn son home after his wife passed away.
The gentle baby boy named Leo became the center of Sarah's daily care and devotion.
Richard was a busy chief executive officer who traveled constantly for important business meetings.
His new wife Victoria had moved into the luxury estate just six weeks ago.
Victoria showed very little interest in the baby and treated the household staff with harsh disdain.
Sarah noticed that Victoria frequently searched through Richard's private study late at night.
The atmosphere inside the mansion grew tense whenever Richard was away on business trips.
Sarah always kept a watchful eye on baby Leo whenever Victoria walked near the nursery.
Sarah: I will make sure you are always safe, little one.
The baby cooed happily in his crib as Sarah adjusted his warm wool blanket.
She heard sharp footsteps echoing down the long tiled hallway outside the nursery door.
Sarah stepped into the hall and saw Victoria holding a thick brown legal folder.
Victoria looked startled when she saw the young housekeeper standing near the doorway.
Victoria: Why are you lurking around here instead of working in the kitchen?
Sarah: I was just checking on baby Leo before starting my afternoon chores, ma'am.
Victoria: Mind your own business and get back to your duties right now.
Sarah noticed the large red stamp on the envelope that read family trust agreement.
She knew that document protected baby Leo's rightful inheritance from his late mother's estate.
Victoria hurried toward the grand staircase with the thick folder tucked under her arm.
Sarah felt a sudden chill run down her spine as she watched her step away.
She decided to follow Victoria from a safe distance down the polished hallway.
Victoria reached the top balcony overlooking the bright white foyer near the American flag.
She pulled a small metal lighter out of her satin green dress pocket.
Sarah gasped in terror when she realized what Victoria was planning to do.
Sarah: Please stop right there! Do not destroy those papers!
Victoria turned around with a cold smile and held the papers over the railing.
Victoria: This child will not receive a single dime of this family fortune!
Sarah sprinted forward as Victoria released the folder over the high balcony railing.