The clock in the main hall struck twelve o'clock noon as the quiet house grew tense.
Elena stood near the kitchen, reviewing the recorded video clip on her phone screen with trembling hands.
The footage clearly showed Victoria speaking with extreme verbal cruelty while neglecting the crying infant.
It was painful to watch, but Elena knew this evidence was necessary to protect baby Leo.
Suddenly, high heels clicked loudly against the hard marble floor of the corridor.
Victoria marched into the kitchen, holding a glittering diamond handbag.
Victoria: Why is the nursery door unlocked, Elena?
Elena: I unlocked it to make sure baby Leo was safe and comfortable, ma'am.
Victoria: I told you that child needs to stay in his room until I decide otherwise.
Elena: He is just an infant, Mrs. Sterling. He needs gentleness and care.
Victoria stepped forward, her eyes narrowing into cold slits of pure anger.
Victoria: Do not dare tell me how to handle my own stepson, you filthy maid.
Elena: I am watching out for his safety because his father expects him to be loved.
Victoria reached out aggressively and tried to snatch the phone out of Elena's hand.
Elena pulled her arms back quickly and stood her ground near the counter.
Victoria: Give me that phone right now!
Elena: I will not give you anything, Mrs. Sterling.
Victoria: You are just a servant in this house, and I can fire you with one phone call!
Elena: Fire me if you want, but Mr. Sterling will see what is on this screen today.
Victoria slammed her hand down on the marble island with a sharp cracking sound.
Victoria: You will regret crossing me, Elena.
Elena: I only care about protecting an innocent child who cannot speak for himself.
Victoria turned on her heel and stormed toward the front foyer in a rage.
Elena took a deep breath, securing her phone back into her deep apron pocket.
She knew that the confrontation was far from over and that Arthur would arrive home soon.