Mark stood inside his high-rise office overlooking the city skyline.
He checked his watch and noticed the afternoon meeting had finished early.
His children were at home on the family estate enjoying their summer vacation.
He wanted to surprise them with a trip to the local ice cream shop.
Mark picked up his keys and walked briskly toward the private elevator.
The drive home was quiet as he navigated the sunny suburban roads.
He pulled his sleek car into the long gravel driveway of the mansion.
The large estate had belonged to his family for three whole generations.
It was a place of peace, safety, and happy childhood memories.
Mark stepped out of the vehicle and straightened his tailored suit jacket.
He noticed an unfamiliar luxury car parked near the side entrance.
A strange feeling of worry suddenly settled deep inside his chest.
Mark walked up the polished stone steps toward the grand entryway.
He opened the double doors and stepped into the quiet front foyer.
The house was unusually silent for a warm afternoon.
He called out for his young daughter and son in a calm voice.
No one answered his call from the spacious kitchen or living room.
Mark walked slowly down the hallway toward the back glass patio doors.
He looked through the clear glass and gasped at the shocking sight.
Out on the bright green lawn, a woman was shouting loudly.
It was Victoria, a woman he had hired to assist his family.
She was wearing an elegant beige gown that looked entirely out of place.
Victoria was dragging both of Mark's small children across the manicured grass.
The children were pulling back and crying in sheer panic.
Mark pushed open the heavy sliding glass doors and sprinted outside.
His heart hammered against his ribs as he crossed the wide yard.
He saw Victoria heading directly toward the small wooden playhouse.
The wooden structure stood near the tall trees bordering the estate.
Mark shouted out to Victoria, but she ignored his loud warning voice.
She kept shoving the terrified kids toward the small wooden doorway.
Mark knew he had to reach his family before it was too late.