The grand entry hall of the Sterling mansion always smelled like fresh polished wood and expensive lilies.
Elena adjusted her simple navy uniform as she wiped down the heavy oak railing along the main staircase.
She had worked for Richard and Victoria Sterling for three whole years without a single complaint.
Richard was a wealthy real estate developer who spent most of his long weeks traveling for business.
Victoria was his young second wife, a quiet woman who seemed distant from everyone around her.
Three months ago, a baby boy named Leo had entered the household through a private adoption.
Elena cared for little Leo with all her heart, feeding him and singing soft songs every night.
Victoria rarely held the child, often walking away whenever the baby began to cry softly.
That sunny Tuesday morning, Elena was cleaning the polished hardwood floor at the bottom of the stairs.
She heard the distinct clatter of small rubber wheels rolling along the upper hallway floor above her.
Elena looked up and saw Victoria standing at the very top edge of the tall staircase.
Victoria had both hands resting on the handle of Leo's bright blue baby stroller.
The young mother looked completely pale, her eyes wide and fixed on the steep wooden steps.
Before Elena could even call out a friendly morning greeting, Victoria suddenly shoved the stroller forward.
The stroller tipped downward and began bouncing hard against the heavy oak steps with loud clatter.
Elena did not hesitate for even a single second as panic surged straight through her heart.
She dropped her yellow dusting cloth and sprinted across the slippery wooden floor as fast as possible.
Her knees slammed hard against the bottom step as she threw her arms out toward the stroller.
Elena caught the metal frame firmly just as it was about to tip over onto its side.
Little Leo let out a loud startled cry from inside the secure safety harness of the stroller.
Elena pulled the baby close against her chest, her whole body shaking with deep shock and horror.
She looked up the long staircase, expecting to see a terrified mother rushing down to help.
Instead, Victoria remained standing at the top, watching with a strange and cold look on her face.
"Are you out of your mind?" Elena screamed out, her voice echoing through the massive foyer.
"He could have been hurt so badly!" Elena shouted as she held the crying baby tightly.
Victoria slowly walked down the steps, her high heels clicking loudly against the hard polished wood.
"It was an accident, Elena," Victoria said in a smooth and completely flat tone of voice.
"My foot slipped on the rug," Victoria added without showing a single tear in her eyes.
"I saw you push it!" Elena said, standing her ground firmly as her heart hammered in her chest.
"You pushed that stroller with both hands, Victoria!" Elena yelled while shielding the sweet little child.
"Be very careful about what you accuse me of, Elena," Victoria whispered in a dangerous voice.
"You are a simple hired maid here, and I am the lady of this entire house."
"If you say another word about this foolish event, I will destroy your life instantly."
"I will call the police and say you stole my diamond ring from the master bedroom upstairs."
Elena stared at the wealthy woman in absolute disbelief, feeling a deep wave of anger rise up.
She knew she was in danger of losing her job, but she could not leave Leo alone.
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