The bright morning sun poured through the high glass windows of the Sterling mansion, shining across the polished marble floor of the foyer.
Julian: Lily, stop running right now!
Julian Sterling stood near the grand double staircase in his tailored black suit, his brow furrowed as he watched his six-year-old daughter.
Lily wore a bright pink dress, her blonde curls bouncing as her small shoes clicked across the stone floor.
Julian: Lily, what are you doing?!
Lily: I'm going to her!
At the center of the foyer, an elderly woman in a plain white apron knelt down on the cold marble floor.
Her hands were calloused from years of work in the kitchen, but her smile was warm and gentle.
Cora: Come here, my sweet girl.
Lily threw her arms around the older woman's neck, hugging her tightly as tears welled in her eyes.
Julian: Lily, step back. We are selecting your new permanent governess today.
Four elegantly dressed senior staff members stood in a strict line along the foot of the stairs, watching the scene with cold expressions.
Mrs. Gable: Sweetheart, Miss Cora is only the cook.
Lily: I don't care!
Mrs. Gable: She belongs in the kitchen, dear. These four ladies are trained to teach you proper etiquette and care.
Lily: She stays when I'm scared! You don't!
The entire foyer fell dead silent, the girl's small voice echoing off the high ceilings.
Julian: Lily... what did you just say?
Lily: Every time the thunder comes, Miss Cora holds my hand. They just lock my bedroom door!
Julian looked at the four women in black dresses, his breath catching in his throat as shock washed over his face.
Julian: Is this true?
Mrs. Gable: Sir, we were simply following the house rules for bedtime discipline!
Julian: You locked my motherless daughter in her room during a storm?
Julian's eyes filled with sudden realization as he looked at the quiet cook holding his child.
He slowly walked across the foyer, dropping to his knees beside the elderly woman with open arms.