The morning sun cut through the tall arched windows of the Carter mansion in suburban Dallas.
Sarah adjusted the crisp collar of her navy blue maid uniform in the mirror.
She had worked for Mr. Richard Carter for nearly three quiet years.
He was a successful businessman who loved his infant baby girl, Lily, more than anything.
Everything in the household had been peaceful until six months ago.
That was when Richard married his second wife, Vanessa.
Vanessa was a young woman who loved designer bags and expensive sports cars.
She treated the household staff like invisible tools and rarely smiled at anyone.
Sarah carried a silver tray with warm herbal tea up the polished stairs.
She heard sharp voices coming from the master bedroom at the end of the hall.
Sarah stopped walking and held her breath near the cracked wooden door.
Vanessa: You spend more time worrying about that baby than my needs!
Richard: Lily lost her biological mother, Vanessa.
Richard: She is my main priority and she always will be.
Vanessa: I am your wife now, Richard.
Vanessa: I deserve to be put first in this family.
Richard: That will never change how much I protect my daughter.
Sarah stepped back softly so her black shoes would not make a sound.
She knew Vanessa was unhappy about Richard's strict financial plans.
Richard had set up a massive trust fund for little baby Lily.
Vanessa had tried multiple times to convince him to give her control over it.
Richard had always refused, keeping the child's future completely secured.
Sarah reached the nursery and set the tea tray down on the table.
One-year-old Lily was babbling happily inside her soft padded playpen.
Sarah smiled warmly and picked up the sweet child into her arms.
Suddenly, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed down the grand hallway.
Vanessa stood at the nursery doorway with her arms crossed tightly.
Her eyes were cold as she stared down at the small baby girl.
Vanessa: Why are you holding her when you should be cleaning?
Sarah: I was just checking on Lily before starting the laundry, ma'am.
Vanessa: Put her down and go scrub the downstairs kitchen floor immediately.
Sarah: Yes, Mrs. Carter.
Sarah placed the baby back into the playpen with great gentle care.
As she walked past Vanessa, she noticed something very strange in her hand.
Vanessa was holding a brass key that belonged to the mansion's private safe.
Sarah knew that key was only meant to be in Mr. Carter's desk drawer.
She wondered why Vanessa had taken it without her husband knowing.
Sarah walked down the white marble staircase with a uneasy feeling in her stomach.
Something dark was building inside the house, and Sarah could feel it clearly.
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