The morning sun cut through the tall windows of the Dallas estate.
Elena adjusted the collar of her beige uniform while standing in the grand hallway.
She had worked for the Montgomery family for over three years.
Her main duty was caring for four-year-old Lily after her mother passed away.
The house had been quiet until Victoria moved into the primary bedroom upstairs.
Victoria was engaged to Mark Montgomery, the owner of a vast energy firm.
She brought an icy chill into every room she stepped into.
Elena held a tray of warm tea near the kitchen entrance.
She watched Victoria walk down the white marble steps in her burgundy dress.
The woman high heels clicked loudly against the polished stone floor.
Victoria glanced at Elena with obvious disdain across the wide foyer.
Victoria: Why is that child playing near the main staircase again?
Elena: She is playing quietly with her doll, Miss Victoria.
Victoria: This house needs order, not sloppy toys scattered everywhere.
Elena pressed her lips together and remained silent near the wall.
She knew arguing with Victoria would only create more unnecessary trouble.
Mark was out of town attending an urgent board meeting in Houston.
That left Victoria in complete charge of the domestic staff for the weekend.
Little Lily ran over to Elena and held onto her apron tightly.
Lily: I want my daddy to come back home soon.
Elena: He will be back tomorrow evening, sweet girl.
Victoria stood at the base of the grand staircase with her arms folded.
Her eyes narrowed as she watched the deep affection between them.
She hated how much the little girl relied on a simple house maid.
Victoria wanted full control over the estate and the trust fund behind it.
She walked closer to Elena with deliberate and heavy steps.
Victoria: Take her to the rear garden right now and keep her quiet.
Elena: The weather outside is far too cold for her today, ma'am.
Victoria: Do not dare talk back to me in this house!
Elena gently lifted Lily into her arms and took a step back.
She could feel the child heart beating rapidly against her shoulder.
Victoria took another step forward, her eyes cold and filled with threat.
She reached into her purse and pulled out a stack of paper documents.
Victoria: Your contract can be ended before this day is over.
Elena: My contract was signed directly by Mr. Montgomery himself.
Victoria laughed softly, a harsh sound that echoed off the white columns.
She turned around and headed toward the upper floor balcony.
Elena held Lily tightly and walked toward the quiet sunroom in back.
She knew a storm was brewing inside this massive Texas home.