Evelyn stepped back toward the top of the landing as Arthur reached the upper level.
She looked around the vast second floor as if searching for an escape route.
Mother Evelyn: You are taking the word of a servant over your life partner!
Father Arthur: A mother protects her child, Evelyn! You just frightened him!
Arthur turned toward the wall where a discreet security camera was installed.
The small glass lens was pointed directly down at the top of the grand staircase.
Evelyn followed his gaze and her eyes widened in sudden, panic-stricken horror.
Mother Evelyn: You said those cameras were turned off last month for repairs!
Father Arthur: I had the entire security system updated two days ago.
A cold silence fell over the upper hallway as the truth hung in the air.
Arthur reached into his suit pocket and pulled out his shiny leather smartphone.
He tapped the screen to open the live playback application for the home cameras.
Evelyn rushed forward and reached out her manicured hand to grab the phone.
Mother Evelyn: Give me that phone right now, Arthur!
Arthur swerved his shoulder back, easily dodging her frantic grab.
Father Arthur: Stay away from me, Evelyn!
He raised his free hand firmly, blocking her path with a resolute gesture.
Father Arthur: Do not step any closer to me or this child!
Evelyn stumbled back onto the carpeted hallway landing with a sharp gasp.
She clutched her red sweater near her throat, her face flushed with anger and shock.
Arthur looked down at the video screen as the clip loaded on his display.
The clear footage showed Evelyn cornering little Leo near the staircase edge.
She had stepped forward aggressively, scaring the poor boy until he lost his balance.
She had reached out no hand to catch him as he stumbled backward toward danger.
If Clara had not sprinted forward, Leo would have fallen down twenty marble steps.
Arthur felt a wave of cold fury wash through his whole body as he watched.
Father Arthur: You watched him fall and did not lift a single finger.
Mother Evelyn: It was an accident! I froze in panic, Arthur!
Father Arthur: The camera shows you stepping closer to intimidate him!
Clara walked up the lower steps carefully, keeping Leo safely away from his mother.
Nanny Clara: I saw everything from the hallway, Mr. Vance. It was no accident.
Father Arthur: I know, Clara. Thank God you were here to save my son.