Elena stood her ground, her body trembling with intense emotion.
She knew that walking away now meant leaving baby Lily completely unprotected.
Elena: I am not leaving this baby alone with you!
Clara: You do not have a choice in this matter!
Clara shoved Elena back toward the marble stairs with bitter force.
Elena stumbled against the carved wooden banister, wincing from the impact.
At that exact moment, the nursery door opened softly on the second floor balcony.
Lily’s high-pitched crying echoed down into the vast entrance hall.
Clara turned her head toward the stairs, her face twisting with visible irritation.
Clara: I told you to keep that child quiet!
Clara marched up the stairs toward the nursery with fast, harsh strides.
Elena scrambled up behind her, desperate to block Clara from entering the room.
Elena: Leave her alone, Clara!
Clara reached the nursery and snatched Lily’s heavy crib blanket off the railing.
She grabbed the crying baby by her outfit and attempted to yank her out of the crib.
Elena threw herself into the nursery and stepped directly between Clara and the crib.
Elena: Do not touch her!
Clara: Get out of my way, you pathetic servant!
Clara raised her hand and struck Elena sharply across the cheek.
The force of the slap sent Elena falling onto her knees beside the crib.
Elena held her cheek as tears of anger and pain pooled in her eyes.
Outside the mansion gates, the black sedan screeched to a sudden halt on the driveway.
Arthur burst out of the car before it even came to a complete stop.
Two estate security guards followed closely behind him, looking concerned.
Arthur: Stay right with me, guards!
They rushed up the front steps toward the heavy wooden double doors.
Arthur shoved the grand double doors wide open, his heart pounding in his chest.
The sharp sound of screaming and intense crying instantly greeted his ears.
Arthur sprinted across the white marble foyer toward the grand staircase.