The atmosphere inside the mansion grew heavy and silent after Julian's departure.
Victoria spent the afternoon pacing back and forth inside the central home office.
She pulled several heavy legal folders from the personal safe near the wooden desk.
These documents contained details regarding the multi-million dollar trust fund created for Leo.
Victoria wanted full control over the trust fund before the marriage took place.
She knew that Julian had appointed an independent trustee to oversee the child's wealth.
This arrangement frustrated her deeply because she wanted absolute access to the fortune.
Elena walked past the open study doors while holding a basket of fresh laundry.
She caught sight of Victoria hastily slipping papers into her designer leather handbag.
Victoria looked up suddenly and saw Elena watching from the brightly lit hallway.
Victoria: What are you staring at, you ungrateful maid?
Elena: I was just heading to the laundry room, Miss Victoria.
Victoria: Do your work and stop snooping around my private business!
Elena lowered her head and walked quickly down the gleaming marble corridor.
Her heart pounded rapidly inside her chest as bad feelings washed over her.
She knew that Victoria was hiding something terrible from Mr. Vance.
Later that evening, baby Leo began crying due to a sudden high fever.
Elena stayed up all night sitting beside his crib and placing cool cloths on his forehead.
She carefully administered medicine and sang quiet lullabies to soothe his distress.
By morning, the baby's fever had dropped, but he remained tired and fussy.
Elena carried him down to the kitchen to prepare warm bottle formula for breakfast.
Victoria entered the kitchen wearing her elegant ruby red satin gown once again.
She scowled deeply at the sound of the soft whimpering coming from the infant.
Victoria: Can you not keep that child quiet for even five minutes?
Elena: He was sick all night, ma'am, he just needs some breakfast.
Victoria: I have an important guest coming and I will not tolerate this noise!
Victoria grabbed the warm bottle from the counter and tossed it into the trash.
Elena gasped in total shock at the cruel and senseless action of the woman.
Elena: Why would you do that to a helpless baby?
Victoria: Do not speak back to me in my own future house!
Victoria stepped closer to Elena and raised her hand in a harsh threat.
Elena flinched back immediately, holding baby Leo tightly in her arms.
She realized that Victoria was completely unfit to be a mother to this child.
Victoria reached out aggressively and pulled the baby's arms away from Elena's chest.
Victoria: Give him to me, I am sending him to a boarding nurse today!
Elena: No, Mr. Vance specifically asked me to keep him here!
Victoria grabbed Elena by the shoulder and shoved her violently against the kitchen wall.
Elena stumbled backward, her cheek slamming against the wooden edge of the cabinet.
Pain shot through her face as a dark red bruise began forming rapidly.
Victoria snatched the crying baby from Elena's grasp with harsh force.
Victoria: You are fired as of this very moment, get out of my home!
Elena dropped to her knees, crying desperately as Victoria walked out toward the hallway.
She knew she could not leave little Leo alone with such a dangerous person.