Elena wiped down the grand marble counter inside the dark kitchen.
She had worked for the Vance family for over three years now.
Arthur Vance was a rich man who built a vast business empire.
He lost his beloved first wife to a tragic illness two years ago.
That sad loss left him alone with his toddler daughter named Lily.
Then Victoria entered their lives six months ago with fake smiles.
She wore expensive silk gowns and pretended to love young Lily dearly.
Victoria: Elena, why is this floor still slightly dirty?
Elena kept her eyes lowered toward the bright white floor tiles.
Elena: I just cleaned it five minutes ago, Mrs. Vance.
Victoria: Clean it again before I make sure you get fired.
Elena took a deep breath and grabbed her heavy yellow bucket.
She knew Victoria hated little Lily behind closed doors.
Victoria only married Arthur to gain control of his massive inheritance.
She wanted all the family money for her own greedy desires.
The poor little child was just an obstacle in her way.
Every time Arthur left for work, Victoria changed her sweet act completely.
She yelled at the toddler and locked her in the playroom alone.
Elena tried her best to protect the innocent little girl every day.
She gave Lily warm hugs whenever the poor child started crying loudly.
Elena: Do not cry, sweet girl, your daddy loves you very much.
Lily held onto Elena's blue apron with her tiny shaking hands.
The bond between the maid and the child grew stronger each week.
Victoria noticed this closeness and grew extremely jealous of Elena.
She wanted the loyal maid gone before Arthur noticed her cruel behavior.
One afternoon, Arthur announced he had a late corporate meeting downtown.
Victoria smiled coldly as soon as his luxury car left the driveway.
She marched up the grand staircase toward the toddler's quiet room.
Elena felt a dark sensation deep inside her stomach right away.
She put down her wiping cloth and followed Victoria up the stairs.