The bright morning sun reflected across the crystal blue water of the estate swimming pool.
Elena adjusted her dark blue maid uniform as she pushed the heavy vintage carriage across the stone patio.
She had worked for the Sterling family for over five years with complete dedication and care.
Inside the carriage sat little Toby, the two-year-old heir to the massive Sterling family fortune.
Elena loved the little boy as if he were her own son.
She checked the soft cotton blanket to make sure he was comfortable in the warm shade.
A cold voice suddenly broke the quiet morning atmosphere near the edge of the water.
Clara: You are late with his morning walk again, Elena.
Elena stopped pushing the stroller and looked up with a polite smile.
Clara stood near the poolside wearing an expensive floral dress and high designer heels.
She was the stepmother who had married Arthur Sterling just eighteen months ago.
Elena: I was preparing his lunch in the kitchen, Mrs. Sterling.
Clara: His schedule must be followed precisely every single morning without exception.
Clara took a step closer to the heavy carriage while folding her arms tightly.
Her sharp eyes scanned the empty backyard patio to see if anyone else was watching.
Elena felt a strange chill down her spine despite the warm summer heat.
She had noticed Clara acting very nervous around the house for the past several days.
Ever since Arthur began reviewing his legal trust fund documents, Clara seemed on edge.
Elena: I will take him back inside to his room now, ma'am.
Clara: Leave the carriage right here while you fetch my iced tea from the house.
Elena: Sir Arthur asked me never to leave Toby unattended near the open pool.
Clara: Are you refusing to follow my direct orders in this home?
Elena paused for a moment because she did not want to cause unnecessary trouble.
She carefully set the safety brake on the carriage wheels near the stone lawn border.
She turned around toward the sliding glass doors to hurry into the air-conditioned house.
The moment Elena took three steps away, Clara moved with sudden swift speed.
Clara kicked the carriage brake free with the heel of her shoe.
She gave the heavy handles a sharp shove directly toward the deep end.
Elena heard the loud metallic rattle of the wheels against the smooth patio tile.
She spun around instantly and gasped in horror at the shocking sight before her.
Elena: No! Stop!
The heavy carriage was rolling fast straight toward the edge of the deep pool water.
Clara stood perfectly still with a calculated look of cruel satisfaction on her face.
Elena sprinted forward across the slick patio stones without hesitation for her own safety.
She leaped across the stone ledge just as the wheels slipped over the border.
Her hands reached out wildly to protect the innocent toddler from the steep fall.