The morning sun poured brightly through the towering front windows of the grand estate.
Light danced across the white marble floors of the main foyer.
An American flag hung proudly on the tall central wall.
It was supposed to be a quiet and peaceful morning for everyone.
Elena washed the lower step of the grand staircase with care.
She had worked as a housemaid for Arthur for three quiet years.
She loved the little toddler girl, Lily, like her own child.
Arthur was away at a very important corporate business meeting downtown.
That left his new wife Victoria alone with little Lily.
Victoria hated the child because Lily reminded her of Arthur's past.
She wanted all of Arthur's money for herself and her future.
Victoria wore a bright red satin dress that rustled loudly.
She walked up to the upper balcony with a cold smile.
Little Lily was playing near the wide balcony railing with toys.
Victoria intentionally pushed a heavy marble statue off the upper edge.
The heavy stone tipped toward the edge right near the child.
Victoria: Oops, look out below little girl!
Elena looked up from the floor and let out a loud gasp.
She saw the heavy object tipping right over the railing.
Lily screamed in sudden terror on the upper balcony floor.
Elena dropped her sponge without thinking for even a single second.
She sprinted as fast as her legs could possibly carry her.
Her sneakers slid across the smooth marble floor with a sharp hiss.
Elena dived across the hard floor with her arms outstretched wide.
She grabbed little Lily and pulled her away from the edge safely.
The heavy stone crashed onto the marble right where Lily had stood.
The loud impact echoed through the high ceiling of the mansion.
Elena wrapped her arms tight around the weeping toddler.
Tears of relief poured down the young maid's tired face.
Elena: I've got you sweetheart! You're safe now!
Victoria walked down the grand white staircase without any panic.
She glared at the maid with complete coldness in her eyes.
Victoria: Get your hands off her immediately!
Elena: How could you do something so dangerous to a toddler?!
Victoria: Shut your mouth if you want to keep your job!
Elena clutched the child even tighter against her pounding heart.
She knew Victoria had caused the accident on purpose.
The tension in the foyer was thicker than heavy smoke.