The bright Texas sun shone down on the massive backyard patio of the luxury mansion in Dallas.
A gentle breeze carried the smell of fresh sweet flowers across the stone deck.
Guests in fine clothing gathered around the edges of the pristine blue swimming pool.
Victoria stood near the marble pillars wearing a sparkling long gold evening gown.
She held a crystal glass filled with imported wine while smiling at the wealthy visitors.
Her husband, Richard, was inside the study discussing a major business merger with his tax attorneys.
Richard was a wealthy real estate developer who owned properties all across the country.
He had married Victoria two years ago after his first wife passed away from an illness.
Clara worked as the lead housemaid inside the large estate, keeping every room neat and clean.
She adjusted her crisp black and white uniform while carrying a heavy silver tray of refreshments.
Clara noticed Victoria walking toward the heavy brass handles of the double patio doors.
Victoria pushed open the doors and moved toward the quiet blue edge of the deep swimming pool.
She was pushing a black leather baby stroller containing little five-month-old Leo.
Leo was Richard's only biological son and the sole heir to his vast family trust fund estate.
Clara felt a sudden chill run down her spine as she watched Victoria's cold expression.
Victoria did not look at the child with love or warmth in her eyes.
She looked around the yard to ensure no other guests were watching from the rose garden.
Clara set her silver tray down quickly on a nearby outdoor dining table.
Her instincts told her that something was horribly wrong with how Victoria was acting.
Victoria halted her movement right at the slippery concrete lip of the deep water.
She gripped the foam handles of the stroller with both of her manicured hands.
Her face showed no emotion as she looked at the deep blue water below her high heels.
Clara began moving forward across the stone tile floor as fast as her shoes allowed.
Clara: Mrs. Victoria, please stand back from the water!
Victoria turned her head slightly and smiled a dark, mocking smile at the young maid.
Victoria: Mind your own business, Clara.
Clara: The ground is wet near the pool filter line!
Victoria: You should learn your place in this house before you lose your job.
Victoria tightened her fingers on the handle bar without taking her eyes off Clara.
The air grew completely still around the sunlit patio deck.
Clara reached out her hand as she sprinted toward the glistening pool edge.