Elena smoothed down the front of her neat grey maid uniform as she stood near the grand hallway.
The sunlight poured through the floor to ceiling windows of the massive Vance estate every single morning.
To anyone looking from the outside, this house was the absolute definition of American luxury and success.
Julian Vance was a brilliant corporate lawyer who had built a massive fortune through hard work and smart investments.
His young daughter Lily was the center of his world ever since her mother passed away three years ago.
However, six months ago, Julian married Victoria, a glamorous former model who promised to care for little Lily.
Elena had worked for the Vance family for over five years and knew every quiet corner of the mansion.
She had noticed right away that Victoria's sweet smile vanished the moment Julian left for his corporate office.
Victoria resented the attention Julian gave to his young daughter and constantly complained about the child's presence.
Elena kept a close eye on little Lily whenever Victoria was around the spacious house.
On this clear morning, Elena carried a stack of fresh white towels toward the primary luxury bathroom master suite.
The bright daylight reflected off the polished white marble floors and gold fixtures throughout the master wing.
As Elena walked down the long corridor, she heard the harsh sound of Victoria raising her sharp voice inside.
Little Lily was sobbing softly, her little voice trembling in fear behind the heavy oak door.
Elena set the fresh towels down on a side table and moved quickly toward the quiet entrance.
Her heart pounded against her chest as she prepared to step inside and face her wealthy employer.
She knew that interfering with the mistress of the house could cost her job immediately.
Yet Elena could never turn her back on a child who needed immediate protection and help.
She took a deep breath, straightened her shoulders, and pushed open the heavy bathroom door quietly.