The afternoon sun spilled through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the Sterling family’s Bel-Air estate, casting soft golden light across the white marble floor. Inside the nursery, three-month-old baby Leo lay in his carved wooden crib, crying in distress. Standing over him was Chloe, dressed in an elegant gold satin dress that caught the sunlight with every sharp movement. Her cold eyes stayed fixed on the crying infant as she reached into her designer handbag and pulled out a sleek silver lighter.
Chloe: Keep crying, little boy. Your father will listen to me today, one way or another.
She flicked the lighter open, and a sharp metallic click echoed through the quiet room. A bright flame flickered just inches from the baby’s tear-stained face.
Chloe: Hand over the documents right now!
Chloe: If your precious father doesn't sign the trust fund papers over to me, he’s going to lose everything he loves.
The baby wailed louder, his tiny hands kicking against the soft blue blanket as the heat of the flame hovered dangerously close. Outside in the hallway, rapid footsteps hurried along the polished floorboards. The nursery door swung open with a heavy thud, and Sarah, the household maid in her black-and-white uniform, froze in absolute horror at the doorway.
Sarah: Put that down immediately!
Sarah: What is wrong with you?! Get away from that crib!
Sarah sprinted across the nursery floor, placing her own body between the glowing flame and the infant. She snatched baby Leo into her arms, cradling his trembling head against her shoulder as she glared at the blonde woman.
Chloe: You are making a huge mistake, Sarah!
Chloe: Give me that baby and mind your own business if you want to keep your job in this house!
Sarah: Everyone will know the truth! She attacked me out of nowhere!
Sarah: You won't hurt this child while I'm breathing!
Below the grand staircase, the heavy oak front doors slammed shut. Heavy, urgent footsteps echoed down the grand foyer as Richard Sterling, CEO of Sterling Global, returned home early from the corporate office. Hearing the shouting upstairs, he bounded up the marble steps, his face twisted in deep panic and confusion as he rushed into the nursery.