The morning light poured across the black and white checkered marble floor of the grand estate, illuminating a scene of absolute horror[cite: 1]. Under the shadow of the large American flag hanging in the hallway, blonde-haired Julianne smoothed down her soft rose-pink satin gown[cite: 1]. She didn't look at the infant crying hysterically at her feet[cite: 1]. Instead, her gloved hand held tightly onto a thin leather strap[cite: 1].
Julianne: Keep moving, you noisy little brat!
She pulled the leash forward, dragging nine-month-old Leo across the cold stone floor as he tried to crawl[cite: 1]. The baby's screams echoed off the high walls, his knees turning red against the hard marble[cite: 1].
Elena: Stop it! Leave the baby alone!
Elena, the home’s trusted maid, rushed out from the side kitchen in her beige uniform[cite: 1]. She threw her hands out to step between Julianne and the sobbing child[cite: 1].
Julianne: How dare you touch me, you pathetic servant!
Elena: He is a baby! You're hurting him!
Julianne: Mind your own business!
Julianne turned with pure rage in her eyes and struck Elena violently across the face twice, sending the maid stumbling back against the wall[cite: 1]. Elena held her bruised, burning cheek, her eyes filled with tears as she slid down toward the floor[cite: 1].
Julianne: If you say a word about this, I'll make sure you never work in this city again!
Elena: You can't keep doing this every time he leaves...
Before Julianne could pull the leash again, the heavy ornate double doors at the end of the long hallway burst open with a loud, violent crash[cite: 1]. Billionaire businessman Christopher Vance rushed inside wearing a tailored light grey suit, stepping right into the middle of the nightmare[cite: 1]. His eyes widened in absolute shock as he saw his wife holding a leash and his baby weeping on the stone floor[cite: 1].
Christopher: What in God's name is happening here?!
Julianne: Christopher! You're back early!
Christopher didn't answer her; he sprinted forward, his heart dropping into his stomach as his jaw clenched with pure fury[cite: 1]. He was seconds away from uncovering the terrifying truth about the woman he had married[cite: 1].