The glittering crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow across the polished marble floor of the Vance estate.
Waiters in sharp suits carried trays of silver glasses through the crowded ballroom.
Over two hundred wealthy guests laughed and talked about their business deals.
Elena adjusted the collar of her gray maid uniform near the entrance.
She had worked for the Vance family for nearly three years.
Her main job was taking care of little Leo Vance.
Leo was four years old and full of energy.
He was the youngest nephew of Julian Vance.
Julian Vance was the heir to Vance Enterprises.
Tonight was supposed to be the biggest night of his life.
He was announcing his engagement to Victoria Sterling.
Victoria came from one of the richest families in the city.
She wore a bright emerald green silk dress that swept the floor.
To the public, Victoria seemed like a perfect, polished socialite.
She smiled for the photographers and greeted every important guest.
But Elena knew the cold truth behind that pretty smile.
Whenever the cameras were gone, Victoria treated the staff like garbage.
Elena kept a close eye on young Leo near the grand staircase.
The little boy accidentally bumped into Victoria's long silk dress.
A few drops of apple juice spilled onto the green fabric.
Victoria gasped loudly and looked down at her dress in total horror.
Her fake sweet smile vanished in a single second.
Her eyes turned icy and mean as she glared at the child.
Little Leo shrank back, his small hands trembling with sudden fear.
Elena rushed forward immediately to protect the frightened boy.
She dropped to her knees and began wiping the floor with a towel.
"I am so sorry, Miss Victoria," Elena whispered softly.
"He is just a child and it was a complete accident."
Victoria grabbed Elena by her collar and pulled her close.
"You careless fool!" Victoria hissed under her breath.
"This dress costs more than you make in five years!"
The guests nearby stopped talking and turned to watch the scene.
Victoria grabbed a folded leather strap from a nearby display table.
She raised her hand high above her head without hesitating.
Elena wrapped her arms around little Leo to block him completely.
Victoria brought the strap down hard against Elena's arm.
A sharp sound echoed across the silent ballroom.
Elena gasped in pain but kept her body over the boy.
Leo cried hysterically, burying his face in Elena's shoulder.
Victoria leaned down close to Elena's ear with a cold sneer.
"Who do you think he will protect?" Victoria whispered evil words.
"His future bride... or a worthless servant like you?"
Elena held back her tears and looked straight into Victoria's eyes.
She knew Julian Vance was watching from the double doors above.