Richard stopped in his tracks as his sharp gaze fell upon the staircase.
He saw his young son sobbing hysterically inside the maid's protective embrace.
He saw Clarissa standing towering over them with a cold look of rage.
The air inside the vast foyer suddenly grew icy, heavy, and quiet.
Richard clenched his large fists firmly at his sides inside his suit pockets.
Richard: What on earth is going on in my house?!
His thunderous voice boomed against the high ceilings of the white mansion.
Clarissa gasped instantly, and her face turned completely pale with sudden panic.
She quickly tried to adjust her fake smile and change her tense posture.
Clarissa: Oh darling, you are home so much earlier than we expected!
Richard: Answer my question immediately, Clarissa!
Clarissa: The boy was just being clumsy and throwing a terrible tantrum.
Elena: That is a complete lie, Mr. Vance!
Clarissa glared down at Elena with sharp eyes filled with bitter warning.
Clarissa: Do not dare speak to my husband in that rude tone!
Leo slowly raised his tear-stained face from Elena's soft navy blue collar.
He looked down at his tall father standing by the open front entrance.
The brave little boy extended a shaking hand, pointing straight at Clarissa.
Leo: Dad, she tried to destroy Mom's pictures and threatened me!
Leo: She told me nobody would ever love me or believe me!
Richard felt a sharp blade of pure agony pierce through his heart.
He looked at his small, terrified son crying at the top landing.
Then he looked down at the scattered photos of his late wife, Sarah.
The ultimate truth finally broke through six full months of clever deception.