The bright afternoon sun filtered through the grand stained glass windows of the mansion.
Elena walked quietly down the polished marble hallway holding her young baby boy.
She had lived in the quiet guest wing of the estate for over a year now.
Her husband Victor was away on an urgent business trip in Europe.
That left Elena alone in the massive home with Victor's arrogant stepmother Victoria.
Victoria had always resented Elena for marrying into the wealthy family.
She believed Elena came from a modest background and did not belong there.
Elena tried her best to avoid confrontation whenever possible.
She focused all her love and energy on raising her sweet toddler son.
As Elena turned the corner toward the main parlor, Victoria appeared.
Victoria was wearing a bright emerald dress and a harsh sneer on her face.
She blocked the doorway with her arms crossed tightly across her chest.
Victoria: Where do you think you are going with that child?
Elena: We are just going out to the garden for some fresh air.
Victoria: You don't get to wander around my house like you own it.
Elena: Victor said this was our home too while he was away.
Victoria: Victor is thousands of miles away and cannot protect you now.
Elena felt a cold chill run down her spine at those words.
She held her baby a little tighter against her shoulder.
Victoria stepped closer, her eyes glittering with deep malice and anger.
Victoria: Hand over the family trust documents immediately.
Elena: I don't have any papers you are looking for.
Victoria: Stop lying to me before I have security throw you out!
Elena backed away slowly toward the center of the grand foyer.
She could hear her baby whimpering softly against her neck.
The tension in the hallway grew heavier with every passing second.
Elena needed to find a safe way out of the front entrance immediately.