The morning sun cut through the tall stained-glass windows of the Vance estate, casting bright patterns across the checkered black and white marble floor. The mansion was completely silent until a sharp, screaming voice tore through the hall.
Clara: Get rid of it right now!
Maya: No! Mrs. Vance, please!
Maya didn't think twice. Seeing the baby thrown through the air, the young maid threw her body across the hard stone, sliding on her knees to catch the small bundle just inches before it slammed into the marble.
Clara: You little fool! You should have let it drop!
Maya: What is wrong with you? You could have killed him!
Maya cradled the infant close to her chest, her hands trembling violently as tears spilled down her face. The small child cried hysterically, clutching at her purple maid uniform.
Clara: Shut that brat up! I won't have it ruining my house!
Maya: He is your husband's son! He is an innocent baby!
Clara: He is a mistake that should never have been born!
Suddenly, the heavy front double doors burst wide open. Heavy footsteps echoed loudly off the high walls as Ethan Vance strode into the grand foyer, flanked by two stern security guards.
Clara: Ethan! It... it was an accident!
Maya: She tried to throw your baby onto the marble floor! She tried to kill your heir!
Ethan ran forward, his eyes locked on his weeping child. He dropped to his knees right beside Maya, his face pale with horror before turning toward Clara with pure rage.
Ethan: Get out of my sight!
Clara: Ethan, listen to me! The maid is lying to you!
Ethan: I saw what you did! Get out before I tear your life apart!
Clara took a step back, her expensive ruby gown rustling against the stone floor, but the dark truth behind her actions was only beginning to unfurl.