The morning sunlight poured through the towering arched windows of the grand Hudson Valley estate.
Bright beams reflected off the pristine white marble floor, filling the grand entrance hall with warmth.
Ten-month-old Leo giggled as he crawled happily across the smooth, polished surface toward his favorite squeaky toy.
His little yellow onesie brightened the massive, quiet space of the wealthy family mansion.
Elena stood near the carved mahogany staircase, keeping a watchful eye on the little boy.
She had served as the nursery maid for over three years now.
Her dark navy blue uniform was always crisp, neat, and freshly ironed every single morning.
She loved little Leo as if he were her own family member.
The boy had lost his birth mother shortly after he was born into the world.
Since that sad day, Elena had provided all the soft comfort and warmth in his life.
Heavy footsteps echoed from the formal dining room archway.
Victoria stepped into the hall, wearing a sharply tailored royal blue gown that reached the floor.
Her red lips were pressed into a thin, bitter line as she glared down at the crawling infant.
She carried a heavy tray containing a steaming iron coffee pot from the morning breakfast table.
Victoria was Marcus Vance's second wife, having married the wealthy CEO only six months prior.
She hated the little boy because he remained the sole heir to the massive Vance family trust fund.
If Leo were out of the picture, the entire inheritance would belong to her instead.
Leo giggled again, reaching for the hem of Victoria's long silk dress as she walked past.
Victoria sneered in disgust and deliberately swung the hot metal tray toward the defenseless child.
Victoria: Get out of my sight, you little pest!
The heavy iron pot tipped forward, splashing boiling hot coffee across the marble floor inches from Leo's bare feet.
The baby gasped in fear at the burning steam and burst into loud, hysterical crying.
Elena's heart dropped into her stomach as she heard the scalding liquid splash.
She sprinted across the slippery marble floor without hesitating for even a single second.
She scooped little Leo up into her strong arms, holding his face against her shoulder.
Elena: You cruel monster, how could you endanger a baby!
Victoria: Watch your tone with me, you worthless servant!
Elena: He is just an innocent infant who did nothing to you!
Victoria: He is a nuisance in my home, and so are you!
Elena: This is his home, not yours, Victoria!
Victoria's eyes burned with furious anger as she stepped right into Elena's face.
Victoria: I am the mistress of this estate now!
Elena: You are a heartless monster who cares only about money!
Victoria raised her hand and attempted to strike Elena across the cheek.
Elena blocked the sudden blow with her forearm, protecting the crying baby in her other arm.
Elena: Do not touch us ever again!
Victoria: I will destroy you for your insolence!
Victoria turned in a rage and grabbed a heavy golden urn from the side table.
She swung the heavy metallic ornament blindly at Elena's head to knock her down.
The sharp edge caught Elena right across her forehead with a heavy thud.
Elena stumbled backward against the wall, shielding little Leo tightly against her chest.
Warm red blood began to trickle down her forehead, staining her white uniform collar.
Elena: God save us from this evil woman...
Victoria: You brought this on yourself, Elena!
Little Leo sobbed loudly, his small hands clinging tightly to Elena's navy blue dress.
Elena wiped the blood from her eye, refusing to drop the child or back away.
The heavy front doors swung open suddenly, echoing through the entire high-ceilinged mansion.