The bright daylight washed over the grand hallway of the mansion.
Elena adjusted her pink apron as she held the sleeping baby boy close to her chest.
She could hear heavy footsteps echo across the expensive marble floor.
Clara walked toward her with a look of pure rage in her eyes.
Clara: Hand that child over to me immediately!
Elena took a step back toward the tall glass window.
Elena: I cannot do that, ma'am.
Clara: How dare you refuse my orders in my own house!
Elena gripped the soft baby blanket a little tighter.
Elena: The doctor gave strict rules about his medication this morning.
Clara: I do not care about your excuses!
The diamond embellishments on Clara's gown sparkled under the midday sun.
She raised her hand and pointed a long finger at Elena's face.
Clara: You are just hired help around here.
Elena: My job is to keep this little boy completely safe.
Clara: I am his mother, and I command you to move!
Elena looked down at the peaceful sleeping infant in her arms.
She knew the truth that nobody else in the estate dared to speak out loud.
Clara had never once stayed up through the cold night to comfort the baby.
She only cared about the public image of being a perfect mother.
Clara: Give him to me before I have you fired on the spot!
Elena: You can fire me, but I will not let you harm him.
Clara took another step forward with an angry scowl.
Clara: You have reached the end of your line, Elena.
The baby stirred softly against Elena's shoulder as the voices grew louder.
Elena pressed her back against the cool white wall under the giant American flag.
She prayed that someone would walk through the heavy front doors very soon.
The air inside the luxury mansion felt cold despite the summer heat outside.
Clara reached out her hand to grab the thick cotton blanket away.
Elena: Please stay back!
Clara: Stop playing the hero!
A loud door slammed at the far end of the grand corridor.
Both women turned their heads toward the sound at the exact same second.
A tall man in a dark navy suit stood in the archway.
Marcus had returned home much earlier than anyone expected today.
Clara's face changed instantly from burning anger to sweet panic.
Clara: Marcus, thank goodness you are home!