Leo fell backward against the bottom step of the grand staircase.
The sharp sound of his cry rattled through the empty halls.
Elena dropped her dusting cloth and rushed across the foyer floor.
She dropped to her knees right beside the sobbing boy.
Elena: Leo! Are you okay, sweetheart?
Leo: My elbow hurts so bad, Elena!
Elena: Hold on, let me see your arm.
Elena pulled the young boy close into her arms to protect him.
Leo buried his tear-stained face into her blue maid uniform.
Victoria stood over them without showing a single shred of regret.
She adjusted the gold bangles on her wrist with a cool smile.
Victoria: Stop making such a dramatic scene over a little slip.
Elena: You pushed him toward the stairs!
Victoria: I merely touched his shoulder to escort him outside.
Elena: He is only eight years old, Mrs. Sterling!
Victoria: He is a clumsy little brat who does not belong here.
Leo: Help me, Elena! Please don't let her touch me!
Elena: I am right here, Leo. Nobody will hurt you.
Elena glared up at Victoria with fiercely protective eyes.
She was just a paid staff member, but she could not stay silent.
Elena: Get your hands away from him!
Victoria: How dare you raise your voice at me in this house!
Elena: You have treated this poor boy terribly ever since Mr. Sterling left!
Victoria: You are fired as of this very second, Elena!
Elena: Fire me if you want, but I will tell Mr. Sterling everything!
Victoria threw her head back and laughed loudly in response.
The sharp sound echoed coldly against the massive marble walls.
Victoria: Do you really think my husband will believe a poor maid over his wife?
Elena: He loves his son more than anything in the world.
Victoria: He loves his family empire, and I control his business contracts now.
She held up the thick leather folder she was carrying.
Victoria: I signed the trust transfer papers while he was in New York.
Leo: Why do you hate me so much?
Victoria: Because you remind everyone of your dead mother.
Leo: My mom was sweet and kind!
Victoria: Your mom is gone, and this house is mine now!
Victoria reached out and grabbed Leo's shoulder again to drag him toward the door.
Elena held the crying child tightly, refusing to let go.
Elena: I will call the police if you touch him again!
Victoria: Go ahead and try, you pathetic girl!
Victoria: GET OUT OF MY LIFE!
She raised her hand to forcefully yank the boy away from Elena.
Suddenly, the heavy front double doors shook with a loud bang.