The morning light poured through the tall glass windows of the grand Hudson estate.
Charles Hudson sat in his polished oak office, reviewing the legal papers for his baby son's trust fund.
His wife, Victoria, stood by the doorway, her golden dress shimmering under the bright chandelier light.
She smiled, but her eyes remained cold and unreadable as she watched her husband sign the documents.
Ever since the baby was born, Victoria felt her control over the family fortune slipping away completely.
She had married Charles for his vast wealth, expecting to inherit his entire estate without any rivals.
Now, this helpless child stood directly between her and the endless fortune she desperately craved.
Elena, the young housemaid, walked quietly down the marble hallway carrying fresh linen sheets.
She had worked for the Hudson family for three years and loved the sweet baby dearly.
Elena noticed Victoria standing near the nursery door, holding a heavy brass key in her hand.
Elena: Mrs. Hudson, do you need help with the baby's room this morning?
Victoria: Mind your own business, Elena, and go back to your kitchen duties immediately.
Elena bowed her head respectfully, but a deep feeling of worry settled in her chest.
She stepped into the adjoining corridor, pretending to polish the antique mirror while watching carefully.
Victoria glanced around the hallway, ensuring no staff members were standing nearby to witness her.
She opened the nursery window, letting the freezing winter air rush straight into the infant's room.
Then she grabbed the heavy wooden crib latch, intending to lock the baby inside the freezing cold draft.
Elena realized the danger instantly and dropped her polishing cloth onto the hard floor.