The morning sun filtered through the tall stained glass windows of the Wilmoth mansion.
Elena adjusted her white apron with slightly trembling hands.
She had worked for the Wilmoth family for nearly three years as their head housemaid.
The house was quiet, save for the ticking of the grand clock in the main hallway.
Arthur Wilmoth was a successful businessman who spent most of his days traveling across the country.
He was a good man, but he was often absent from home.
After his late wife passed away three years ago, he had been lost in grief.
Then Victoria had entered his life like a sudden storm.
Victoria was young, elegant, and always wore designer white dresses.
To the outside world, she appeared perfect and kind.
She smiled for the family photos and spoke softly to the press.
But inside the walls of the estate, her demeanor changed completely.
Elena noticed how Victoria treated little Toby when Arthur was away on business trips.
Toby was only six years old and had quiet hazel eyes.
He spent most of his time drawing pictures in his bedroom upstairs.
Victoria rarely spoke to the boy unless she was giving him a harsh order.
She looked at him not as a son, but as an obstacle to her future.
Elena tried her best to protect the young boy whenever she could.
She brought him fresh cookies and read him bedtime stories when the house was dark.
Toby trusted Elena more than anyone else in the world.
On this particular morning, Arthur had left early for a major corporate board meeting.
Victoria stood near the top of the marble staircase, sipping her black coffee.
Her bright blonde hair was styled neatly around her shoulders.
Elena was sweeping the shiny white marble floors near the main entrance.
She watched as little Toby walked out of his bedroom holding a small toy truck.
He was wearing his favorite green plaid shirt.
He walked slowly toward the stairs, heading down for breakfast.
Victoria stepped right into his path near the top step.
Her eyes narrowed as she watched the little boy approach.
Elena stopped sweeping and felt a sudden knot of anxiety in her stomach.
She had a bad feeling about the look on Victoria's face.
Victoria shifted her weight, making sure her heel caught the edge of Toby's shoes.
With a quick and cold movement, she shoved the boy forward.
Toby gasped in panic as his footing gave out completely.
He lost his balance and began to tumble down the steep marble steps.
His small voice cried out in pure terror.
The sound echoed off the high ceiling of the empty foyer.
Elena dropped her broom instantly and sprinted across the polished floor.