Elena pushed her polished wooden cleaning cart slowly through the quiet halls of the grand estate.
The mansion always felt cold and empty despite the expensive art hanging on every wall.
She had worked as a housemaid for the wealthy Sterling family for nearly two whole years.
Her daily routine was predictable and quiet until the young master brought home his new wife.
Victoria came into the household six months ago with high demand for total obedience.
She instantly changed the soft atmosphere of the house into a tense place for everyone.
Elena noticed how Victoria rarely smiled whenever little Leo was brought into the spacious living room.
Leo was the seven month old baby born from Arthur Sterling and his late beloved wife.
The gentle child had large brown eyes that seemed to watch everything happening in the house.
Arthur adored his young son and spent every free hour holding him after returning home.
However, business trip demands took Arthur away from the estate for days at a time.
During those quiet absences, Victoria ruled the household with a sharp tone and cold eyes.
Elena spent extra time in the nursery just to ensure the innocent baby felt safe.
She often noticed how Victoria ignored the crying child whenever the main staff walked past.
The tension in the home grew steadily stronger as the important family meeting date grew closer.
Arthur's family estate foundation lawyer was scheduled to visit the mansion early that coming week.
The legal document updates would establish a massive trust fund strictly reserved for young Leo.
Victoria appeared deeply troubled whenever the family trust fund topic came up at dinner.
Elena wiped down the grand mahogany staircase while keeping her eyes on the upper balcony.
She heard sharp footsteps echoing along the long carpeted hallway near the master nursery door.
Victoria emerged from the nursery holding little Leo with an oddly tight and uncomfortable grip.
The child began to cry softly, clearly uncomfortable with the harsh way he was held.
Elena paused her cleaning work immediately and stood near the base of the grand stairs.
Elena: Ma'am, do you need any help with baby Leo right now?
Victoria glared down from the landing with a cold stare that chilled the entire room.
Victoria: Get back to your duties and stop spying on my personal family business.
Elena lowered her head respectfully but remained firmly near the bottom of the grand staircase.
She watched Victoria walk toward the private side wing where the legal paperwork was stored.
Something about Victoria's quick frantic movements felt completely wrong to the observant maid.
Elena wiped her hands on her blue apron and carefully followed at a safe distance.