The morning sun filtered through the high stained glass windows of the grand estate.
Elena adjusted her clean white apron while holding her polishing cloth firmly.
She had worked for the rich Vance family for over three dedicated years.
Every marble tile in the giant foyer sparkled under her careful daily attention.
Yet a cold atmosphere always seemed to linger in the wide quiet hallways.
Arthur Vance was a wealthy man who inherited a vast international shipping enterprise.
His young wife Sarah cared mostly about social status and buying expensive designer clothes.
Elena walked quietly toward the main kitchen to start preparing the morning tea.
She noticed the back patio door was left slightly open to the morning air.
A draft swept through the grand hallway and made the heavy curtains sway gently.
Elena paused near the bottom of the curved white marble staircase to listen.
She heard a strange soft sound coming from the side storage room area.
It sounded like a quiet muffled cry coming from behind a closed door.
Her heart beat faster as she set down her wooden polishing tray slowly.
She stepped carefully toward the restricted west wing of the massive mansion.
Sarah had specifically forbidden any staff from entering that particular wing today.
Elena knew she risked losing her valuable job by disobeying direct household orders.
However the sound grew clearer and sounded undeniably like a small baby weeping.
She reached the heavy oak door and placed her hand on the cold brass knob.
The knob turned easily under her fingers without making any sudden loud sound.
Elena slipped into the dim room and caught her breath in complete shock.