The grand ballroom was filled with bright sparkling lights and expensive crystal decorations.
Wealthy guests walked across the polished marble floor while wearing their finest evening clothes.
Elena adjusted her clean white apron and smoothed down her dark maid uniform.
She had worked for the wealthy Sterling family for nearly three full years.
Her daily job was to keep the estate spotless and serve food during large parties.
Nobody ever paid much attention to her simple presence in the grand house.
She was just a quiet worker who moved silently in the background of their lives.
Tonight was the biggest charity gala of the entire winter season.
The ballroom featured a giant glass wall that overlooked the rushing river outside.
Heavy rain had been pouring down from dark clouds all through the afternoon.
Elena carried a silver tray lined with fresh drinks through the crowded room.
She politely offered glasses to businessmen who completely ignored her soft greeting.
She did not mind the cold behavior because she was used to it.
Her main focus was staying honest and earning money for her young family.
Near the edge of the dance floor stood little Lily and her brother Tim.
They were seven and nine years old, wearing fancy formal party clothes.
Their parents were Richard and Clara Sterling, the rich hosts of the party.
Richard was busy talking about stocks and real estate investments with wealthy friends.
Clara was showing off her expensive gold bracelet to a crowd of women.
Neither parent was paying any close attention to their young children.
Lily looked lonely and uncomfortable in her stiff formal dress.
Tim kept pulling at his tight black bow tie with a sad expression.
Elena walked over to the kids with a gentle and warm smile.
Elena: Would you little ones like some sweet juice instead of punch?
Lily: Yes please, Elena.
Tim: My shoes hurt and I really want to go upstairs.
Elena: I know it is noisy down here, but stay close to me.
Clara turned around and glared at Elena with cold condescension.
Clara: Do not pamper them, maid.
Clara: Go check if the kitchen needs more fresh ice right now.
Elena: Of course, ma'am.
Elena bowed her head politely and walked away toward the side hallway.
She noticed a low vibrating sound humming through the thick floorboards.
Outside the massive glass wall, the river water looked dangerously high and dark.
The storm was growing stronger by the minute, but no guest seemed concerned.
Elena felt a strange nervous feeling settling deep inside her chest.