The morning sun shone bright against the stained glass windows of the grand Wilmont mansion.
Clara adjusted her crisp black apron as she polished the dark oak balustrade near the entrance.
She had worked for the Wilmont family for three years as their head housemaid.
Her main duty was caring for seven-year-old Leo after his mother passed away.
Leo was a gentle boy with brown eyes and a soft smile that warmed everyone.
Leo: Look at my drawing, Clara!
Clara: That is beautiful, Leo, but please stay away from the upper ledge.
Leo: I just wanted to show Daddy my picture before he left for the courtroom.
Clara: Your father is in a very important business meeting downstairs right now.
Mr. Arthur Wilmont was a wealthy CEO who ran a huge real estate development firm.
He spent most of his days fighting legal battles over land rights and family trust funds.
Since his wife died, Arthur worked long hours to protect Leo's massive future inheritance.
However, six months ago, Arthur remarried a glamorous socialite named Victoria.
Victoria wore expensive white designer dresses and expensive sparkling diamonds every single day.
She always acted kind whenever Arthur was sitting in the formal dining room.
When Arthur left for work, Victoria changed her attitude toward young Leo completely.
Victoria: Why are you running through these halls like a wild animal?
Leo: I was just looking for my green crayon, Victoria.
Victoria: You need to learn how to behave inside a wealthy family mansion.
Clara stepped forward to keep the young boy safe from Victoria's cold glare.
Clara: I will take him back to the nursery upstairs right now, ma'am.
Victoria: Make sure he stays out of my sight until the afternoon party starts.
Clara held Leo's small hand and walked slowly toward the nursery room upstairs.
She knew that Victoria only cared about acquiring Arthur's valuable estate for herself.
Victoria had been pressing Arthur to sign a new prenup and alter his will.
She wanted full custody of the family bank accounts if Arthur ever passed away.
Arthur had always refused to change the trust fund papers protecting his young son.
Leo: Clara, why does Victoria look at me like she hates me?
Clara: She is just stressed about the big house, sweetheart.
Leo: I miss my real mommy so much today.
Clara: I know, my brave boy, but I am always right here with you.
Suddenly, Victoria walked out of the master bedroom wearing high heels that clicked loudly.
She looked down at Leo with a harsh sneer across her pale face.
Victoria: Stand aside, Clara, I need to speak with this spoiled child now.
Clara: Please, ma'am, he was just heading into his bedroom to rest quietly.
Victoria: I don't take orders from simple maid staff in this house.
Victoria stepped closer to the top of the steep marble staircase.
Leo shrank back toward the handrail, clutching his colorful drawing tightly against his chest.
Clara felt a sudden chill run straight down her spine as Victoria reached out.