Victoria stood frozen near the staircase as Mark carried Leo inside.
Lily followed right behind her father while holding Leo's hand tightly.
Mark set Leo down gently on the soft leather sofa inside.
He grabbed a cool wet cloth to wipe the dust off.
Mark: I am so sorry I did not notice earlier, Leo.
Leo: She told me you would get angry if I complained.
Mark: I will never let anyone hurt you ever again, son.
Mark pulled out his phone and dialed his family corporate lawyer.
Mark: Arthur, prepare immediate divorce papers and emergency protective orders.
Mark: I also need you to contact the local police department right now.
Arthur listened quietly on the line before answering with steady professional care.
Arthur: I will file the restraining orders and criminal charges immediately, Mark.
Mark ended the call and walked back into the main hallway.
Victoria was rapidly dragging two large leather suitcases down the hall.
Her hair was messy and her expensive makeup was smeared with tears.
Victoria: Mark, please, we can talk about this like adults!
Victoria: Do not destroy our marriage over one simple mistreatment mistake!
Mark pointed his finger directly toward the wide open front doors.
Mark: Pack your bags and get out of my house right now!
Mark: The police are on their way to take your statement.
Victoria gasped in absolute horror at the mention of the police.
A public arrest would destroy her high-society status and local reputation.
Victoria: You would ruin my entire life for this boy?
Mark: My son is worth more than everything you will ever own.
Victoria grabbed her heavy bags and ran out toward her car.
The heavy front doors slammed shut behind her with a thud.
Mark took a deep breath of fresh air as silence returned.
He walked back into the living room to sit beside his children.
Lily handed Leo a small piece of turkey sandwich with care.
Lily: Here, Leo, eat this so you feel strong again.
Leo smiled weakly and took a bite of the food gratefully.
Mark wrapped his arms around both of them in a warm embrace.