The grand entryway of the Vance estate sparkled under a massive crystal chandelier that hung from the high ceiling.
A giant American flag rested in a polished wooden frame directly above the wide marble staircase in the foyer.
Elena adjusted the dark apron of her white uniform as she polished the rich mahogany railing near the door.
She had worked as a maid and nanny for the wealthy businessman Arthur Vance for over two years now.
Arthur was a hardworking single father who spent long hours running his massive logistics empire across the country.
His eight-month-old baby boy, Leo, was the bright light that kept the quiet mansion feeling like a real home.
Elena loved little Leo with all her heart and cared for him like he was her own flesh and blood.
She checked the baby monitor attached to her apron pocket as soft whimpers came through the small speaker.
Elena set her polishing cloth down on the table and hurried up the steps toward the warm nursery upstairs.
Elena: I am right here, little baby boy.
She lifted the smiling child into her arms and held him close against her clean shoulder with gentle care.
Elena: Your daddy will be home from his business trip very soon.
The infant cooed happily as he reached his small hands toward the bright light of the nearby chandelier window.
Elena walked back down the stairs while cradling the sweet boy securely against her warm blue cotton uniform dress.
Suddenly the heavy front door swung open with a loud click that echoed across the empty marble floor tiles.
Victoria Vance walked inside while wearing a floor-length maroon dress that shimmered with thousands of dark red sequins.
She was Arthur's ambitious fiancee who spent thousands of dollars every week on fine clothes and expensive jewelry items.
Victoria swept her long blond hair over her shoulder and glared directly at Elena standing on the wide staircase.
Victoria: Why is that noisy child out of his nursery while I am home?
Elena: He just woke up from his afternoon nap, Miss Victoria.
Victoria: I do not care about his nap schedule at all.
Elena held the baby a little closer as Victoria marched across the wide foyer with sharp, loud footsteps.
The high heels on Victoria's expensive designer shoes clicked against the polished floor with an aggressive rhythm that filled the room.
Victoria: Take him upstairs right now before his messy clothes ruin my fresh mood.
Elena: He is completely clean and just wants to see his home.
Victoria stepped right up to the bottom step and looked down her nose at the quiet young nanny woman.
Victoria: You do not argue with the future mistress of this entire house.
Elena kept her lips sealed because she knew how short Victoria's explosive temper could be on quiet afternoons like this.
She turned around slowly to carry little Leo back up toward the soft comfort of his cheerful nursery room upstairs.
Victoria watched them leave while her dark eyes narrowed into a cold, scheming look of bitter jealousy and anger.