Elena wiped the dust off the polished mahogany railing in the grand Dallas foyer.
She had worked as a live-in maid for the wealthy Vance family for nearly three years.
Her daily routine involved cleaning the vast marble floors and caring for little Toby.
Toby was a sweet one-year-old child who lost his mother shortly after birth.
His father, Arthur Vance, was a wealthy businessman who loved his son deeply.
Arthur spent long hours managing his corporate real estate empire across the state.
To help manage the household, Arthur had recently remarried a younger woman named Victoria.
Victoria projected a warm personality whenever Arthur was present in the mansion.
She smiled softly at dinner parties and spoke about family values to wealthy guests.
However, her disposition transformed completely the moment Arthur left for his corporate office.
Victoria resented the attention that little Toby received from his devoted father.
She viewed the innocent child as an obstacle to securing full inheritance rights.
Elena noticed how cold Victoria became toward the toddler whenever they were alone.
The maid always made sure to stay close to Toby throughout the day.
She loved the little boy as if he were her own family member.
One sunny Tuesday afternoon, Arthur left early for an urgent boardroom meeting downtown.
Victoria walked into the living room wearing a sharp designer outfit and high heels.
She looked around the room and noticed Toby playing quietly with plastic blocks.
Victoria: Why is this child always making messy noise in my main living room?
Elena: He is just playing peacefully with his toys, ma'am.
Victoria: I do not care about his silly games!
Elena: I will move him to his nursery right away if it bothers you.
Victoria: You should have done that hours ago without me asking!
Elena picked up the toddler gently and carried him toward the broad main staircase.
Victoria followed closely behind with a dark scowl on her bitter face.
She picked up a small wooden rod resting near the hallway decorative plant stand.
Elena turned around at the base of the stairs and felt her heart freeze.
She immediately placed her own body over the small child on the floor.
Victoria stepped forward with visible anger in her flashing eyes.
Elena: Please do not come any closer to him!
Victoria: You dare tell me what to do in my own home?
Elena: I am protecting this baby no matter what happens to me!
Elena shielded Toby tightly in her arms as Victoria yelled in frustration.
A sharp blow struck Elena across her left cheek as she held the baby safe.
Tears welled up in Elena's eyes, but she refused to let go of the child.
She held little Toby close against her chest to absorb all the shock.
The child cried loudly, entirely safe from any physical harm beneath Elena's protection.
Elena knelt on the cold white marble, crying softly while comforting the toddler.
Suddenly, the heavy double front doors flew open with a loud crashing sound.
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