The morning sun shone brightly across the grand marble halls of the luxury mansion.
Richard had built his massive business empire through years of endless hard work and determination.
His young daughter Lily was the center of his entire world after his first wife passed away.
A few months ago he married Victoria because he thought she would be a loving mother.
Victoria always presented herself as a kind and delicate woman whenever Richard was present at home.
However her demeanor changed completely the very second Richard walked out the front door each day.
She treated the house staff with icy contempt and spent money without any second thought.
Elena was hired as the new live-in housekeeper to care for the large family home.
She came with excellent references from prominent families who praised her honest work ethic and kindness.
On her first official day Elena arrived earlier than expected to start her duties around the estate.
She walked quietly through the main double doors while holding her heavy cleaning equipment and supplies.
The central atrium stood completely bathed in natural light beneath the soaring high glass ceiling structures.
Elena noticed small signs that everything was not as peaceful as Richard believed it to be.
Victoria was standing near the top of the second floor balcony looking visibly agitated and cold.
Little Lily was playing softly on the ground floor near the main stairs with her toys.
Victoria: Why are you here so early in the morning?
Elena: I wanted to finish my duties before your husband returned home.
Victoria: I do not like people who do not follow my exact set schedule.
Elena: I apologize ma'am but I only wanted to help your family today.
Victoria glared down at the new maid with deep suspicion and clear unspoken hostility.
She did not like having an observant extra pair of eyes watching her inside the house.
Elena kept her head down and began wiping down the polished white marble table tops nearby.
She could sense the heavy tension that filled the huge open space between them all.
Lily looked up from her building blocks and gave Elena a very sweet and gentle smile.
Lily: Are you the new lady who will help take care of our big house?
Elena: Yes sweetie and I will make sure you are always safe and happy here.
Victoria coughed loudly from the upper landing to interrupt their brief and tender moment together.
She ordered Elena to immediately begin scrubbing the large display cases down the long hallway.
Elena nodded politely and carried her tools down the pristine corridor without making any complaint.
She knew that maintaining a good job was critical for supporting her own growing family.
Yet a strange gut feeling told her that something dangerous was brewing inside these walls.