The morning light streamed through the towering glass windows of the estate.
Clara wiped down the glossy wooden tables in the quiet hallway downstairs.
She had worked as a housekeeper for the family for three full years.
She loved little Lily like her very own daughter from the very start.
Lily was only two years old and loved to play near the stairs.
Her real mother had passed away shortly after giving birth to her.
Her father Mark was a wealthy businessman who worked long hours in town.
Mark had married Victoria just six short months ago to give Lily family.
Victoria was a sharp young woman who loved designer clothes and rich jewels.
She treated the household staff with harsh words and endless cold demands.
Clara noticed that Victoria never smiled whenever little Lily walked into room.
Victoria always pushed the toddler away when Mark was not around to look.
Clara felt a bad feeling growing deep inside her heart every day.
She kept a close eye on the sweet child whenever she cleaned rooms.
Clara: Please be extra careful near the marble stairs, sweet little angel.
Lily giggled loudly and clapped her small hands together with bright joy.
Clara: Your daddy will be home from his big meeting very soon now.
Victoria stepped out of her bedroom wearing an expensive bright orange dress.
She glared down at Clara with heavy anger in her dark brown eyes.
Victoria: Stop wasting your time talking to that little brat right now.
Clara: I am just making sure she stays safe while playing, ma'am.
Victoria: You are paid to clean my floors, not to give advice.
Clara bowed her head politely and held back her strong emotional words.
She knew arguing with the new wife would get her fired immediately.
She could not leave little Lily alone with such a cold woman.
Victoria walked toward the high balcony railing on the top floor level.
She pulled the little girl up onto the narrow ledge beside decorative pots.
Lily whimpered softly because she was scared of the high bright open drop.
Clara looked up from the foyer and felt her heart completely stop cold.
Clara: Ma'am, please move her away from that dangerous edge right now!
Victoria: Mind your place and finish scrubbing the marble floors down there.
The child wobbled precariously on her tiny shoes near the slick polished edge.