The marble foyer of the Ashford estate was usually quiet, but today the tension was thick enough to choke on. Victoria stood on the tenth-floor interior balcony, her knuckles white as she gripped the polished wooden railing. Her eyes were cold, fixated on the tiny, fragile bundle resting in her arms. It was one-year-old Lily, the sole heir to the Ashford family fortune and the only thing standing between Victoria and complete control of the estate.

Down below, Elena wiped the marble floor with a soft cloth. She was just the house maid, a woman who worked long hours to send money back to her family. But she loved little Lily like her own. Elena glanced up just in time to see Victoria move toward the edge, her face twisted in a cruel, sharp smile.

Victoria: I won't let a crying brat take what belongs to me!

Elena dropped her sponge, her heart slamming against her ribs as she saw Victoria raise the baby over the railing.

Elena: No! Stop! What are you doing?!

Victoria: GET OUT OF MY LIFE!

With a ruthless shove, Victoria let go. The baby plummeted toward the hard marble floor below, her tiny cries echoing through the grand hall. Elena did not hesitate. Dropping to her knees, she slid across the slick stone, stretching her arms out as far as they could go. She closed her eyes, praying with everything she had, waiting for the impact that would change all their lives forever.