The quiet afternoon turned cold as dark storm clouds gathered over the distant rolling hills.
Arthur was away attending a major board meeting to finalize a pending corporate merger.
Sarah was downstairs folding clean laundry near the warm service utility area.
Suddenly a sharp sound echoed from the master bedroom on the second floor above her.
It was baby Ethan crying with a desperate intensity that Sarah had never heard before.
She immediately dropped the freshly pressed linens onto the long wooden folding table.
Her heart beat rapidly against her ribs as she hurried toward the wide spiral staircase.
The mansion usually felt vast, but now every step seemed heavy and full of dread.
As she reached the upper landing, the sound of muffled shouting joined the infant's cries.
Victoria's sharp voice echoed from the sunlit sitting room near the private guest suite.
Sarah crept down the hallway, her soft shoes making no sound against the thick carpet.
She glanced through the cracked double doors and froze in absolute horror at the sight.
Victoria stood near a white silk couch holding a steaming heavy iron in her right hand.
The iron hummed loudly, radiating heat into the air around the small wooden side table.
Baby Ethan lay on the delicate sofa cushions beneath her, sobbing uncontrollably.
Victoria: Quiet down, you little brat!
Victoria raised the heated metal terrifyingly close to the defenseless baby's chest.
Sarah felt the blood drain from her face as adrenaline surged through her entire body.
There was no time to think about her employment or the consequences of interfering.
She burst through the heavy double doors with every ounce of speed she possessed.
Sarah: Stop right now!
Sarah shoved Victoria back forcefully, sending the heavy iron clattering onto the floor mat.
She scooped baby Ethan securely into her arms, wrapping him tightly inside his soft blanket.
The infant trembled against her chest as Sarah backed toward the open doorway.
Victoria: How dare you lay your hands on me!
Sarah: Get your dirty hands off that child!
Victoria: You are fired, Sarah!
Sarah: I do not care about this job anymore!
Victoria stepped forward with her face twisted in pure rage and bitter contempt.
She reached out to grab Sarah's arm just as heavy footsteps echoed from the foyer below.