Leo knew he could not stay quiet for another second.
He ran forward and placed his body between his father and Elena.
He spread his arms wide to protect the crying maid.
His chest heaved as tears streamed down his small face.
Leo: Stop, Dad!
Leo: She saved us!
Leo: She pulled my sister back!
Arthur froze in his tracks, staring down at his son.
The silence on the balcony was suddenly deafening.
Arthur swallowed hard as the words sank into his mind.
Arthur: What did you just say, Leo?
Leo: Mia slipped off the chair and was falling!
Leo: I held her hand, but I was slipping too!
Leo: Elena ran fast and pulled Mia over the edge!
Arthur looked from his son to the weeping maid.
He looked down at Mia, who was nodding her small head.
Mia: Elena caught me, Daddy.
Mia: Elena saved me from falling.
The harsh rage in Arthur's face instantly collapsed.
A look of deep shock and remorse took its place.
He realized the horrible mistake he had just made.
He had accused the hero who saved his daughter's life.
He had yelled at an innocent woman out of blind panic.
His stomach churned with intense shame and self-loathing.
Arthur: She... saved you?
Leo: Yes, Dad!
Leo: You owe her an apology right now!
Arthur stood frozen as the truth washed over him completely.