Sarah adjusted her white apron as she walked across the cold polished marble floor of the grand foyer.
The massive estate smelled of fresh flowers and expensive furniture polish every single day.
Yet underneath all the glamour, Sarah always felt a cold draft of tension sweeping through the halls.
Arthur Vance was a successful businessman who spent long hours running his software company downtown.
His young wife Evelyn spent her days shopping for gold gowns and hosting expensive garden tea parties.
Their tiny baby girl Clara was just learning how to take her very first unsteady steps today.
Sarah loved taking care of little Clara because the sweet baby had no idea how much money her family owned.
Sarah: Come on sweetheart, let us go get your yellow blanket from the nursery upstairs.
Clara giggled softly as Sarah gently held her tiny hands near the grand curved staircase.
Evelyn stood at the top of the landing wearing a long gold satin gown that rustled with every step.
She looked down at the maid with a cold expression that Sarah had seen many times before.
Evelyn: Why is that child out of her nursery during my afternoon phone calls, Sarah?
Sarah: She wanted her blanket, Mrs. Vance, and I am watching her very closely.
Evelyn: You are paid to keep her out of my sight when I am busy with my charity board meetings.
Sarah: I understand, ma'am, we will go right back upstairs to her room now.
Evelyn walked slowly down three marble steps and blocked the path with a sharp look in her dark eyes.
Evelyn: My husband is returning from his business trip in twenty minutes, Sarah.
Sarah: Yes, ma'am, I have already prepared his favorite tea tray in the library.
Evelyn: Good, because today we are going to discuss your future employment at this estate.
Sarah felt a sudden chill run down her spine as she held little Clara tighter against her shoulder.
She had noticed missing documents from Arthur's home office late last night while dusting the bookshelf.
She had also overheard Evelyn whispering on the dark balcony about transfers from the family trust fund.
Sarah: Is there a problem with my work, Mrs. Vance?
Evelyn: The problem is that you watch everything in this home far too closely, Sarah.
Sarah: I only care about taking proper care of little Clara and doing my daily job well.
Evelyn: Well, sometimes people who pay too much attention end up getting hurt or blamed for terrible mistakes.
Sarah took a slow step backward on the carpeted runner, sensing dangerous trouble brewing instantly.
Clara clutched Sarah's uniform collar and hid her small face against the soft cotton fabric.
Evelyn: Give me the child, Sarah, I will take her to the nursery myself right now.
Sarah: I can carry her, ma'am, the stairs are very steep and slippery today.
Evelyn: I said give her to me right now!
Evelyn snatched at the child's small arm far too roughly, causing Clara to cry out in sudden fear.
Sarah pulled back instinctively to protect the tiny baby from being pulled so harshly.
Sarah: Please be gentle with her, Mrs. Vance!
Evelyn: How dare you tell me how to handle my own stepdaughter, you basic maid!
Evelyn raised her hand in anger, her golden bracelets rattling loudly against her thin wrist.
At that exact second, the heavy front oak doors slammed open with a loud thud down below.