The dark iron gates of the Vance estate opened slowly in the cold evening air.
Elena gripped her canvas bag tightly as she stepped onto the long marble walkway.
She adjusted her coat over her growing baby bump to protect herself from the chilly breeze.
The massive stone house towered over her like a silent judge watching her every move.
She knew that coming here tonight was dangerous for her and her unborn child.
However, Daniel had forgotten his crucial legal papers for the family real estate inheritance board meeting.
Without those signed documents, his spiteful stepmother Valeria would take full control of the vast family trust fund.
Elena walked up the grand granite stairs and knocked softly on the high oak doors.
A butler in a crisp black suit opened the door and stared down at her simple attire.
Butler: Deliveries must go around to the kitchen door at the back of the house.
Elena: I am not a delivery driver, I am here to see Daniel Vance right away.
Butler: Mr. Daniel is busy in the formal dining room with Mrs. Valeria Vance.
Elena: Please tell him his wife is here with the legal file he left at home.
The butler raised an eyebrow with clear doubt but opened the heavy door just enough for her.
Elena stepped into the brightly lit foyer while holding her stomach gently with one hand.
The brilliant crystal chandelier cast warm yellow light across the smooth white floor tiles.
She heard sharp, echoing laughter floating out from the formal dining hall down the corridor.
Valeria Vance was hosting a private gathering for wealthy city investors and prominent local lawyers.
Elena took a deep breath to steady her rapid pulse before taking another step forward.
She remembered Daniel's soft promises from earlier that morning before he left for the mansion.
He had sworn that today would be the day he finally revealed their secret marriage to everyone.
They had kept their wedding hidden for six months to protect his position in the company.
Now that she was four months pregnant, they could no longer hide their growing family from the world.
She took five careful steps toward the grand archway leading into the bright dining hall.
Suddenly, the heavy double doors opened wide, and Valeria Vance stepped out into the hallway.
The older woman wore a expensive beige silk dress and diamond earrings that caught the light.
Her sharp blue eyes narrowed the moment she locked sights on Elena standing by the entrance.
Valeria: What is a low-level servant doing inside my private home tonight?
Elena: Mrs. Vance, I am here to bring Daniel the legal papers he forgot on his desk.
Valeria: Do not use my stepson's first name like you are his personal equal.
Elena felt her face grow hot, but she kept her chin held high despite the cruel words.
She reached into her shoulder bag and pulled out the thick blue folder containing the contract.
Elena: Daniel needed this inheritance document before the board members sign the official papers.
Valeria: Hand that file to me right now and leave through the servant entrance.
Elena: I was instructed to give this folder directly into Daniel's hands only.
Valeria snapped her fingers toward two tall security guards standing near the grand staircase.
The guests inside the dining hall began to quiet down as they noticed the rising drama outside.
Elena took a slow step backward, feeling the cold marble floor beneath her thin shoes.
She knew she could not run away while carrying her fragile baby inside her.
The room felt suddenly tight as Valeria stepped closer with a cold, cruel smile across her lips.