The morning sun filtered through the high stained glass windows of the estate.
Clara adjusted her white apron as she walked down the silent marble hallway.
She had worked as a nursemaid at the Vance mansion for six months.
The house was vast, grand, and often filled with a heavy tension.
Ethan Vance was a wealthy man who carried the weight of a huge empire.
His young son, Leo, was the light of his life in that dark mansion.
However, Ethan was often away on urgent business trips across the state.
That left the home under the control of his new wife, Victorine.
Victorine cared greatly about status, money, and high society gatherings.
She showed very little warmth toward little Leo when Ethan was away.
Clara noticed the cold distance every single day during her long shifts.
She spent most of her time cradling the baby near the warm fireplace.
Clara: You are safe with me, little one.
The baby cooed softly while clutching Clara's thumb with his tiny hand.
Clara loved the child as if he were her own family member.
She knew that the boy deserved real affection and gentle guidance.
Victorine entered the nursery room with sharp, quick footsteps.
Her dark green dress rustled loudly against the wooden floorboards.
Victorine: Why is that child crying so loudly today, Clara?
Clara: He is just hungry, ma'am, and needs his morning milk.
Victorine: Fix it quickly because my friends arrive in one hour.
Victorine glared at the small crib with obvious disgust in her eyes.
She did not want a crying baby ruining her fancy afternoon tea party.
Clara bowed her head respectfully and picked up the silver milk bottle.
She could feel the cold cruelty radiating from the wealthy heiress.
Something felt very wrong about Victorine's attitude toward the young heir.
Clara pledged in her heart to watch over the boy constantly.
She knew the days ahead would bring a major emotional storm.