The morning light poured through the tall windows of the grand foyer.
Light marble floors stretched across the vast entrance of the family estate.
A giant American flag hung proudly against the pristine white stone wall.
Elena adjusted her grey maid uniform while holding her dusting cloth tightly.
She had worked for the sterling family for nearly five whole years.
She knew every dark secret hidden behind these massive wooden doors.
Little Leo was playing quietly with his small wooden toy blocks on the rug.
He was only three years old and lost his mother last year.
His father, Arthur Sterling, was a very busy business executive in town.
Arthur tried his best to provide everything his young son needed.
However, six months ago, Arthur married a woman named Victoria.
Victoria always wore expensive silk dresses and carried designer handbags daily.
She never smiled at the household staff or showed kindness to little Leo.
Elena noticed how cold Victoria behaved whenever Arthur left for work.
Today was supposed to be a regular peaceful Tuesday morning at the house.
Arthur had left early for an important emergency board meeting downtown.
Victoria walked down the grand winding staircase in a light blue dress.
Her sharp heels clacked loudly against the polished marble floor tiles.
She looked around the room to make sure no one was watching her.
She did not notice Elena standing near the heavy velvet curtains nearby.
Victoria marched directly toward little Leo with a harsh look on her face.
Victoria: Put those stupid toys away immediately and stand up right now!
Leo: I want my daddy!
Victoria: Your father is not here to protect you today, little boy!
Elena: Is there something you need help with, Mrs. Sterling?
Victoria startled slightly and turned her gaze toward the quiet maid.
Victoria: Mind your own business and return to your cleaning duties right now!
Elena: I am just keeping an eye on little Leo as Arthur requested.
Victoria: I am the mistress of this house and you answer to me!
Elena took a cautious step forward while holding her breath silently.
She noticed Victoria was holding a thick folder filled with legal papers.
The papers looked like trust fund transfer documents from the estate lawyer.
Victoria gripped the young child by his arm and pulled him toward the desk.
Leo began to cry softly because her grip was far too tight.
Leo: You are hurting my arm!
Victoria: Stop crying this instant or you will be in huge trouble!
Elena dropped her feather duster straight onto the shining marble floor.
She knew she could not stand by and watch this happen anymore.
Her heart pounded rapidly against her chest as she rushed forward quickly.
She stepped directly between the cruel woman and the weeping child.
Elena: Take your hands off him right now!