Elena: You're safe now, I've got you... I won't let her touch you ever again, sweetheart.
Victoria: Get your filthy hands off my stepson right now, you low-class maid!
Elena: No! I would rather die than let you hurt him again!
The heavy white double doors slammed open with a loud thud, shaking the entire foyer. Arthur walked inside, dressed in a sharp blue suit, returning early from his morning board meeting at the family firm. His eyes scanned the room, dropping immediately to his weeping infant son held tightly in Elena's arms.
Arthur: What on earth is happening in here?! Why is Leo screaming like that?!
Victoria: Oh, Arthur, thank goodness you're back! This incompetent maid lost her mind and grabbed the baby!
Elena: That's a lie, Mr. Sterling! She left him on the cold marble floor and threatened him!
Arthur charged across the foyer with an intense expression of sheer rage, his long strides echoing loudly off the walls. He dropped to one knee beside Elena, gently reaching out to touch his son's tear-streaked face.
Arthur: Are you okay? Let me see him.
Elena: He's shivering, sir! She wouldn't even let me give him his bottle!
Victoria: Arthur, don't listen to her! She's lying because I threatened to fire her for stealing!
Arthur lifted Leo gently into his arms, holding his son close against his chest. As he looked up at Elena, his face hardened into a fierce, stern expression. For the first time, he saw the horrific black eye swelling across her cheek.
Arthur: Elena... what happened to your face?
Elena: She hurts the child every time you leave!
Victoria: She hit her head on the kitchen cupboard! She's trying to frame me, Arthur!
Elena: Look at Leo's leg, sir! Look under his diaper band!
Arthur's teeth bared in pure wrath as he pulled back the edge of the baby's clothing, revealing dark red pinch marks on the infant's delicate skin. Heavy, angry breathing filled his chest as he stood up abruptly, holding the baby securely with his left arm while turning to face Victoria.
Arthur: HOW DARE YOU TOUCH MY CHILD!
Before Victoria could take a step back, Arthur delivered a powerful, stinging slap right across her face. The force of the strike sent her staggering sideways, her blue silk gown swooping as she hit the marble floor with a sharp gasp.