The white marble floor of the Dallas mansion glistened under the bright Texas sun, but the air inside was thick with tension. Chloe stood in the grand foyer, holding her crying baby tight against her chest. She smoothed down her grey maid apron, trying to keep her hands from trembling.

Victoria: "You incompetent fool! Give me that child right now!"

Chloe: "Please, Miss Victoria, he’s just fussy because he’s tired. I can calm him down."

Victoria: "You don't tell me what to do in this house!"

Victoria took a step forward, her glittery blue gown sweeping across the floor. Without another word, she raised her hand and delivered a hard, sharp slap right across Chloe's face.

The crack echoed through the wide foyer. Chloe gasped, her cheek burning with heat, but she held the baby even tighter to protect him.

Victoria: "You don't belong here, and neither does that crying brat. Get out of my way!"

Victoria shoved Chloe's shoulders with all her weight. Chloe stumbled backward, losing her balance on the polished floor. She twisted her body to protect the baby as she hit the hard marble floor.

Chloe: "Shh, it's okay, baby... mommy's got you."

Victoria: "Look at you, sprawling on the floor like the street trash you are. You're fired!"

Just then, the heavy double entrance doors burst open. Julian rushed into the grand foyer, his suit jacket open, his face pale with concern. He saw Chloe on the floor and froze.

Julian: "What is going on here?!"

Victoria: "Julian! Thank goodness you're back. This lazy maid dropped the baby and then had the nerve to talk back to me!"

Julian ignored Victoria completely. He dropped to his knees beside Chloe, his hands gentle as he helped her up.

Julian: "Get away from my wife and child!"

Victoria’s jaw dropped. The room fell into absolute silence, save for the quiet sobs of the child. But Victoria had no idea that the maid she had just struck was not a maid at all—and the real story behind this mansion was about to destroy her forever.