The grand sunlit hallway of the estate was quiet on a bright Tuesday morning.
Sarah carried a stack of fresh white towels along the quiet marble corridor.
She had worked as a housekeeper for the wealthy Sterling family for three years.
She loved little Lily like her own daughter after the child lost her mother.
Sarah: Good morning, little princess.
Lily looked up from her wooden building blocks with a happy innocent smile.
Lily: Look at the tall tower I built today, Sarah!
Sarah: That is the biggest tower I have ever seen.
The heavy front door clicked open as Victoria walked into the sunny foyer.
Victoria was the new wife of Marcus Sterling, a very rich real estate tycoon.
She wore a bright gold dress and walked with high expensive heels.
She never smiled at the house staff or showed warmth to young Lily.
Victoria: Why is this child playing on the main hallway floor?
Sarah: She is just playing quietly before her afternoon nap, ma'am.
Victoria: Clean up this mess right now before my guests arrive.
Sarah quickly knelt on the cold floor to gather the wooden blocks.
Lily pulled her small soft teddy bear tight against her small chest.
Lily: I am sorry, Victoria.
Victoria did not say a single kind word to the young girl.
She glared down at the child with sharp cold eyes full of hidden dislike.
Marcus was away at his downtown corporate office for an important board meeting.
Victoria knew she had total control over the huge mansion while he was gone.
She walked up the wide curved staircase without looking back at them.
Sarah noticed the strange look on Victoria's face and felt deep concern.
She knew Victoria wanted the full family inheritance all for herself.
Sarah: Come on, Lily, let us play up in your bedroom now.
Lily: Okay, Sarah, I will bring my favorite bear with me.
They walked up the grand staircase together under the bright midday sunlight.
Sarah kept a close watch on the little girl every single step of the way.