The grand estate of the Sterling family stood on top of a grassy hill.
Elena walked softly down the long marble hallway while holding her tiny baby girl close.
She had worked as a housekeeper in the mansion before falling in love with Arthur Sterling.
Arthur was the heir to a massive family fortune built through generations of real estate development.
His mother, Victoria Sterling, had hated Elena from the very first day they met.
Victoria always wore rich purple velvet dresses and spoke with a cold tone.
She believed that Elena was only after the family inheritance and estate wealth.
Even after Arthur married Elena in a small city hall ceremony, Victoria refused to accept her.
When little baby Sophia was born, Victoria became even more distant and resentful.
Elena held the infant tightly as she looked out at the high balcony above the courtyard.
She felt a sudden cold chill pass through the quiet grand foyer.
Victoria appeared at the top of the grand white staircase, staring down with sharp eyes.
Victoria: You should not be walking around the main hall with that child, Elena.
Elena: She was crying in her crib, so I brought her down for fresh air.
Victoria: This house has rules, and you continually choose to ignore them.
Elena took a slow step backward away from the bottom of the staircase.
Elena: Sophia is my daughter, and I am taking care of her human needs.
Victoria: She is a Sterling, and her upbringing will be handled by qualified professionals.
Victoria walked down two steps, her heavy dress rustling against the clean marble.
Elena noticed a strange folder tucked under Victoria's left arm.
Elena: What are those official legal papers in your hands, Victoria?
Victoria: That is private family business that does not concern a former maid.
Elena felt her heart start beating rapidly against her ribs.
She knew that Arthur was currently away at a corporate board meeting in the city center.
He would not be back home for at least another two hours.
Victoria smiled coldly and pointed toward the back garden terrace.
Victoria: You will hand the child to me right now while we discuss her future custody.
Elena: I am never letting you take my baby away from me.
Victoria: You have no money and no power to fight my high-powered divorce lawyers.
Elena clutched baby Sophia closer against her chest as the infant began to softly cry.
She needed to find a safe way out of the mansion before Arthur returned home.