Evelyn grabbed a heavy, steaming serving platter straight off the side counter with padded gloves.
She placed the hot serving dish directly into Leo's bare hands without giving him any warning.
Leo gasped as the sudden heat radiated through his fingers, causing him to instantly wince.
The heavy weight of the iron dish made the little boy wobble on his small feet.
Evelyn snapped her fingers loudly, commanding him to carry the hot tray toward the guests.
Leo started crying softly, begging his grandmother to let him put the hot tray down.
His skin turned bright red as he struggled to hold the burning weight without dropping it.
Evelyn leaned in close to the boy, pointing her finger aggressively right into his face.
She shouted at him to serve the guests immediately and stop acting like a baby.
Arthur heard his son's panicked voice ringing out over the chatter of the dining room.
He turned his head quickly and saw Leo standing on a small footstool, shaking in pain.
Arthur's jaw clenched in absolute shock as he realized what his mother was forcing Leo to do.
The guests went completely silent, watching the terrifying scene unfold in the bright room.
Sarah rushed out of the kitchen, her eyes widening in horror at her son's distress.
Leo looked toward Arthur, desperately crying out for his father to come and save him.
The heat from the metal handles was leaving visible red marks on the boy's tender hands.
Evelyn showed no pity, demanding that the boy hold still until everyone was properly served.
Arthur felt a dark wave of pure rage surging straight up through his chest.
He had tolerated his mother's cold selfishness for years, but this crossed every human line.
His heavy footfalls echoed across the hardwood floor as he sprinted toward the dining table.
Sarah screamed at Evelyn to leave her child alone as she ran around the table.
Evelyn turned her head slightly, glaring cold steel at Arthur as he closed the distance.
The boy's grip was failing rapidly, and the heavy dish was slipping toward his chest.