Two weeks passed quickly inside the quiet Dallas mansion.
Elena learned the daily routines of the large household very fast.
She woke up early every morning to prepare baby Leo's meals.
She took the baby on calm morning strolls through the gardens.
Mark Sterling was a soft-spoken man who deeply loved his son.
Whenever Mark returned home from work, his face lit up bright.
He would take Leo in his arms and laugh with true joy.
Mark: How was my little guy doing today, Elena?
Elena: He ate all his lunch and slept peacefully, Mr. Sterling.
Mark: Thank you for taking such wonderful care of him.
Elena: It is my pleasure, sir.
Victoria always watched those tender reunions from across the wide hallway.
Her eyes narrowed with hidden jealousy every single time Mark held Leo.
Elena noticed how Victoria changed her behavior whenever Mark was home.
Around Mark, Victoria acted like a soft and loving mother.
She would smile warmly and touch Mark's shoulder with fake affection.
Victoria: We are so lucky to have such a quiet home, darling.
Mark: You look beautiful today, Victoria.
Victoria: Thank you, my love.
But as soon as Mark left for work, everything shifted fast.
Victoria's gentle demeanor vanished completely behind closed doors.
She would snap at the kitchen staff over small mistakes.
She constantly complained about the baby crying in the house.
One afternoon, Mark left early for an urgent flight to Houston.
Mark: I will be back tomorrow night, Victoria.
Victoria: Have a safe trip, my dear husband.
Mark kissed her forehead and rushed out the front doors.
The heavy mahogany doors clicked shut behind his departing steps.
Victoria immediately turned back toward the main living room foyer.
Her smiling expression instantly turned cold and extremely harsh.
Elena was coming down the grand stairs with baby Leo.
Victoria: Take that child upstairs right now!
Elena: He just woke up from his scheduled afternoon nap, ma'am.
Victoria: His noise is giving me a terrible headache.
Elena: He is completely quiet right now, Mrs. Sterling.
Victoria: Do not argue with me in my own home!
Elena paused on the lower step, holding Leo closer to her chest.
The baby squirmed slightly, sensing the rising tension in the air.
Victoria walked up close to Elena with a furious look.
Victoria: You work for me, not for my husband.
Elena: I respect both of you, Mrs. Sterling.
Victoria: Then learn to obey my instructions without talking back.
Elena: Yes, ma'am.
Victoria reached out roughly and pulled Leo's small blanket off.
The sudden move startled the baby, who started crying softly.
Victoria: See? He is making noise on purpose!
Elena: He was startled by your sudden voice, ma'am.
Victoria: Take him away before I lose my temper completely.
Elena turned around quickly and went back up the carpeted stairs.
Her heart pounded heavily against her ribs with deep concern.
She sat in the nursery rocker and soothed the small child.
Why did Victoria harbor so much anger toward a harmless baby?
Elena remembered a rumor she had heard from the house butler.
Leo was the son of Mark and his late first wife.
Victoria was Mark's second wife, married only six months ago.
She wanted Mark's wealth and total attention entirely for herself.
Leo stood between Victoria and full control of the family trust fund.
Elena held the baby tightly as the dark truth slowly emerged.
She realized that sweet little Leo was in serious emotional danger.
She resolved to keep a very close eye on Victoria.