Clara adjusted her gray uniform apron while standing quietly in the wide mansion foyer.
The sunlight poured through high arched windows and hit the polished white marble floor.
A massive American flag hung proudly on the tall wall behind the grand staircase.
This house belonged to Arthur Vance, a wealthy real estate owner with vast holdings.
Arthur had hired Clara six months ago to care for his home and property.
She kept her head down and noticed every small detail inside the dark hallways.
Arthur had lost his first wife two years ago during a tragic winter illness.
He lived in the grand house with his young infant daughter, Little Lily.
Three months ago, Arthur had married Victoria, a cruel woman from high society.
Victoria only cared about expensive dresses, diamond rings, and political standing in town.
She looked down on Clara every single day with deep disdain and harsh words.
Victoria: Scrub those floorboards again, Clara! They look absolutely filthy!
Clara: Yes, Mrs. Vance. I will clean them right away.
Victoria: Do not look at me with that pathetic face!
Clara wiped down the baseboards without complaining or raising her voice at all.
She knew that Arthur was a fair man who worked long hours downtown.
He ran a large commercial investment firm in the center of the city.
Arthur trusted Victoria to manage the household while he was away on business.
However, Clara knew that Victoria was hiding severe secrets from her rich husband.
Victoria was running through Arthur's bank accounts at an alarming and rapid rate.
She spent tens of thousands of dollars on gambling debts and secret investments.
Clara had accidentally seen bank notices left open on the mahogany desk yesterday.
Victoria was terrified that Arthur would discover her reckless spending during the audit.
The annual financial review for the family estate was scheduled for this Friday.
Victoria needed a quick distraction to shift Arthur's attention away from her.
She had spent the morning pacing around the upper balcony in pure panic.
Clara kept watching from the bottom of the grand stairs with low eyes.
She wiped the brass railing and kept her ears open for any trouble.
Suddenly, Victoria walked over to the vintage stroller resting near the railing.
The stroller contained the golden family legal binder and Lily's trust documents.
Arthur had left those vital documents inside the stroller basket for safekeeping.
Victoria placed her hands firmly against the iron bar of the heavy carriage.
Victoria: This entire fortune should belong to me alone!
Clara: What are you doing near the edge, ma'am?
Victoria: Stay out of this, you simple servant!
Victoria leaned forward and shoved the carriage with all of her strength.
The stroller tipped directly over the high balcony railing into open air.
Clara let out a loud gasp and moved faster than she ever had before.