Over the next three weeks, Clara established a smooth and comforting routine with baby Leo.
She fed him on time, took him on short walks around the manicured garden, and sang softly to him.
David was often away at work, running his multi-million dollar firm down in the city center.
Whenever David was home, Victoria acted like a sweet, attentive partner who cared deeply about the family.
She would smile warmly at David and pretend to check on little Leo whenever he entered the room.
But the moment David left for the office, Victoria’s sweet smile vanished completely into a cold glare.
She treated the household staff with open contempt and barked harsh orders at Clara all day long.
Clara noticed that Victoria was constantly on her phone, whispering heated arguments into the receiver.
One afternoon, Clara was carrying a basket of clean baby clothes past the master library door.
The door was slightly cracked open, and Victoria’s sharp voice carried out into the quiet hallway.
Victoria: The prenuptial agreement is far too strict!
Victoria: If we marry, his estate goes entirely to the baby!
Victoria: I need to handle this situation before the wedding date next month!
Clara froze in her tracks, holding her breath behind the thick wooden frame of the door.
She realized that Victoria was not marrying David for love, but for his vast fortune and property.
And baby Leo was the primary obstacle standing directly in the way of Victoria getting everything she wanted.
Clara’s heart pounded rapidly against her ribs as she carefully backed away down the long corridor.
She knew she needed to speak to David, but she had no hard evidence to prove her claims.
If she made an accusation without proof, Victoria would simply get her fired immediately from the estate.
That evening, David came home late from a long board meeting, looking tired and thoroughly worn out.
He walked into the nursery to kiss Leo goodnight before heading off to his private study.
David: Is he sleeping well, Clara?
Clara: Yes, sir, he is fast asleep.
David: You have been a wonderful addition to this house.
Clara: Thank you, sir, I really care for him.
Clara wanted so desperately to tell him about the phone call she had overheard earlier that afternoon.
But Victoria suddenly appeared in the open doorway, wrapping her arms around David’s arm with a fake smile.
Victoria: Darling, you look so exhausted tonight.
Victoria: Come downstairs and let me pour you a glass of wine.
David smiled down at her, completely blind to the dark manipulation standing right at his side.
Clara watched them walk away together down the lit hall, feeling an overwhelming sense of dread.
She vowed to stay awake and stay alert every single second she was on duty.