The glowing iron hissed just inches from the baby’s face. Heat radiated off the hot metal, warming the tiny room inside the vast, cold mansion. Outside, the rain beat heavily against the tall glass windows, masking the soft, terrified whimpers of one-year-old Lily.

Victoria: Be quiet, you miserable little brat.

Victoria’s eyes were cold, filled with a burning hatred that didn't belong anywhere near a child. She held the heavy household iron steady, her polished knuckles white against the dark handle. Her blond hair fell perfectly over her shoulders, framing a face that looked angelic to the outside world, but behind closed doors, she was a monster.

Victoria: Your father thinks he can keep your mother’s memory alive through you. He thinks this estate, this entire inheritance, will go to you one day. Not while I’m in this house.

She lowered the iron another inch. Lily began to cry loudly, her tiny arms flailing against the soft blankets of her crib. The smell of scorched cotton began to fill the nursery air.

Victoria: Cry all you want. Nobody can hear you in this wing.

Suddenly, the heavy oak door was kicked open with a loud thud.

Elena: GET YOUR DIRTY HANDS OFF THAT CHILD!

Elena, the house maid, rushed in frantically. She didn't hesitate for a single second. Throwing herself forward, she grabbed Victoria’s wrist with both hands and shoved the heavy iron away. The hot metal clattered onto the hardwood floor, scorching the fine rug.

Victoria: How dare you touch me, you worthless servant!

Elena: You're insane! She’s just a baby!

Elena yanked Victoria back and scooped the crying baby girl safely into her arms, pulling her tightly against her chest. Lily’s small hands clung to Elena’s uniform, her tiny chest heaving with deep, frantic sobs. Elena backed away toward the hallway, her body trembling with pure rage and fear.

Victoria: Give her back to me right now, Elena, or I’ll make sure you never work in this city again! I'll tell Ethan you stole from us!

Elena: You won't do anything to this child while I am still breathing.

Footsteps echoed sharply down the long marble hallway outside, fast and heavy. Someone was running straight toward the nursery.