The morning sun shone brightly across the massive stone estate in suburban Dallas.
High ceilings and polished white marble floors gave the mansion a cold feeling.
David Vance had worked very hard for many years to build his empire.
He spent long hours at his corporate office managing a successful real estate firm.
His wife Victoria loved the wealth and high status that came with his name.
She spent her days shopping for expensive clothes and attending lavish charity galas.
However, Victoria never wanted the responsibility of raising a small child.
When baby Ethan was born, her cold attitude became obvious to everyone.
She refused to hold the child or soothe his cries during the night.
The family maid, Clara, was the only person who offered genuine love.
Clara was a kind woman with soft freckles who worked tirelessly every day.
She washed the clothes, cleaned the kitchen, and cared for little Ethan.
Clara: You are such a sweet baby, little Ethan.
She gently rocked the infant in the bright nursery on the second floor.
Clara: Your daddy loves you more than anything in this world.
Victoria walked past the nursery door and scoffed at the maid.
Victoria: Stop wasting time singing to that child and clean the hall.
Clara: He needed a clean diaper and some comfort, Mrs. Vance.
Victoria: I do not pay you to give me excuses, Clara.
Clara lowered her eyes and gently laid the sleeping baby in his crib.
She knew that arguing with her boss would only cause more trouble.
David walked down the grand staircase holding a heavy black leather briefcase.
He noticed the tired look on Clara's face and stopped to talk.
David: Is everything alright with the baby today, Clara?
Clara: Yes, Mr. Vance, he is sleeping peacefully right now.
David: Thank you for taking such good care of my son.
Victoria walked into the foyer wearing a expensive dark blue designer dress.
Victoria: Are you leaving for the office already today, David?
David: Yes, I have an important board meeting with our investors.
Victoria: Remember that we have a charity dinner tonight at six.
David: I will be home early so we can leave together.
David kissed his wife on the cheek, but she pulled away quickly.
He felt a strange knot in his stomach as he opened the door.
Something felt terribly wrong inside his home, but he had to leave.
Clara watched the luxury car drive down the long paved driveway.
She turned around to resume her chores in the bright grand hall.
Victoria stood near the artwork holding a glass of iced water.
Victoria: Make sure the floors are polished before the guests arrive.
Clara: I will start cleaning the marble immediately, ma'am.
Suddenly, a loud cry echoed from the top of the stairs.
Baby Ethan had woken up and was calling for gentle human warmth.
Victoria rolled her eyes in frustration and walked toward the stairs.
Victoria: That child never stops making noise in this house.
Clara felt her heart beat faster as she followed close behind.
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