The silence in the grand hall was absolute as Richard stared down his deceitful cousin.
I know Sarah's character, and she would lay down her life for my son, Richard said.
You, on the other hand, have brought nothing but chaos since you entered my home.
Vanessa backed up slightly, her arrogance finally giving way to genuine worry and panic.
I am your family, Richard, you owe me respect and support, she insisted loudly.
You owe this household an explanation for putting an innocent infant in severe danger, Richard retorted.
He walked over to the security control console mounted discreetly near the grand coat closet.
With a quick press of a button, the hidden screen lit up with clear video footage.
The high-definition cameras had recorded every single second of the shocking event in the foyer.
The video clearly showed Vanessa shoving tiny Leo with her foot without any provocation whatsoever.
It showed Sarah rushing in like a hero, shielding the child from further physical harm.
It also recorded Vanessa grabbing the heavy urn and swinging it directly at Sarah's head.
Vanessa stared at the bright screen, her face draining of all color in an instant.
The undeniable proof was right there for everyone to see in vivid detail and clarity.
You lied to my face, Richard said, his voice dropping to a terrifyingly quiet whisper.
You hurt my helpless child and struck the woman who stepped up to save him.
Vanessa began to stammer excuses, but the time for talking was long gone now.
It was a complete mistake, I was just stressed out, she pleaded desperately today.
There is no excuse in the world for abusing a child, Richard declared firmly.
He stepped forward, his fists clenching tightly as righteous fury completely consumed his chest.
He raised his hand and delivered two swift, sharp reprimands across Vanessa's lying cheeks.
Vanessa shrieked in shock, stumbling back against the polished marble wall with wide eyes.
You have disgraced this family name for the very last time, Richard roared loudly.
Sarah watched from the side, holding a clean napkin to her head while breathing easily.
Justice was finally taking place in the house where cruelty had tried to reign.
Leo looked up from his father's shoulder, sensing that the bad situation was ending.
Richard stepped closer to Vanessa, pointing directly toward the double front doors with anger.