The morning sun cut through the tall glass windows of the grand mansion.
Julian stood in the center of the quiet study, checking his morning emails on his tablet.
He was a successful lawyer who spent long hours working to secure his family's financial future.
His young son, Leo, was resting peacefully in his nursery down the main hallway.
Ever since Julian's first wife passed away, the big house felt far too quiet and cold.
He had married Victoria six months ago, hoping she would bring warmth back into the home.
Victoria was an elegant woman who came from a high society background and loved luxury life.
She always wore expensive silk and velvet dresses around the immense estate.
Yet, Julian noticed that she rarely spent time playing with little Leo.
Whenever the baby cried, Victoria quickly left the room or called for the maid.
Sarah, the dedicated house maid, had worked for Julian's family for over five whole years.
She loved little Leo as if he were her own nephew and kept a watchful eye.
On this particular morning, Sarah was busy polishing the silver frames in the lower living room.
She heard footsteps moving softly along the upper floor near the central staircase landing.
Victoria was pushing Leo's luxury stroller toward the edge of the polished marble stairs.
Sarah paused her work and looked up through the tall wooden banisters with growing concern.
Something about the way Victoria moved felt strange and tense in that quiet moment.
The air in the house suddenly felt heavy, as if a storm was about to break.