The bright morning sun shone across the long concrete driveway of the grand estate.
Elena stood near the front gates with her small black suitcase held tightly in her hand.
She had worked as a certified professional caregiver in the city for over seven years.
This new position was supposed to be her fresh start after months of looking for reliable work.
The estate belonged to Gabriel Vance, a wealthy real estate developer in the city.
Gabriel was a widower who lived in the large mansion with his infant son, Oliver.
Recently, Gabriel had married a young woman named Clara, who managed local high-end boutique stores.
Elena took a deep breath as the heavy iron gates swung open automatically before her.
She walked up the stone path leading toward the impressive white marble front doors.
A senior butler named Thomas greeted her warmly at the main entrance of the house.
Thomas led her through the towering foyer decorated with expensive paintings and bright glass chandeliers.
An American flag stood neatly on a wooden stand near the wide double staircase.
Thomas explained her daily duties while guiding her down the immaculate marble hallway.
Elena listened carefully and made detailed notes on her small pad of paper.
Her main responsibility was caring for little baby Oliver during the long working hours.
Gabriel spent most of his days managing his sprawling commercial real estate firm downtown.
Clara was also busy running her private boutique businesses throughout the regional area.
That meant Oliver needed a constant, dedicated caregiver to ensure his daily safety.
Elena felt a deep sense of responsibility toward the innocent child in her care.
She had lost her own young younger brother to an illness years ago.
Caring for children was not just a job for Elena; it was her life calling.
Thomas introduced Elena to the modern nursery located upstairs near the master suite.
The room was filled with soft blue furniture, colorful toys, and warm natural sunlight.
Baby Oliver was resting peacefully inside his wooden crib when Elena walked in.
He looked up with big brown eyes and offered a gentle, innocent smile.
Elena smiled back instantly, feeling an immediate connection to the tiny baby.
Suddenly, the heavy door of the nursery swung open behind her with force.
Clara stepped into the room wearing an expensive bright blue satin dress.
Her high heels tapped loudly against the polished hardwood floor of the nursery.
She looked at Elena with a sharp, cold expression that lacked any real warmth.
Elena stood up quickly and gave a polite, professional head tilt to her employer.
Elena: Good morning, Mrs. Vance. I am Elena, the new house caregiver.
Clara: I know who you are, but do not address me unless spoken to.
Elena blinked in surprise at the harsh tone coming from the young woman.
Clara walked over to the crib and looked down at the sleeping infant coldly.
Clara: Keep this child quiet today because I have important guests visiting later.
Elena: Of course, Mrs. Vance. His schedule is completely under control.
Clara turned on her heel and swept out of the room without another word.
Elena felt a sudden wave of unease wash over her quiet morning thoughts.
Something about Clara's distant behavior toward the child felt very deeply wrong.