A few days later, Arthur announced he had to attend a board meeting.
The flight would keep him away in New York until late that evening.
Victoria smiled sweetly as she kissed his cheek near the front entrance.
Victoria: Have a safe journey, my love, I will manage everything here.
Arthur: Take good care of my son while I am away, Victoria.
As soon as Arthur's black limousine pulled out, Victoria's demeanor changed completely.
Her sweet smile vanished, replaced by a cold, calculating look of spite.
She walked up the curved marble staircase in her bright emerald gown.
Clara was holding baby Leo near the second-floor balcony railing softly.
Victoria: Hand that pathetic little burden over to me right now, maid!
Clara: Please, Victoria, he is resting comfortably in my arms right now.
Victoria: I said give him to me, or you are fired instantly!
Clara reluctantly passed the swaddled baby over while keeping her guard up.
Victoria held the infant carelessly near the wooden edge of the balcony.
She sneered down at Clara with pure malice shining in her eyes.
Victoria: Look at him, a tiny obstacle standing between me and billions.
Clara: Step away from the railing, Victoria, you are scaring the baby!
Baby Leo began to cry loudly as Victoria shook him roughly.
The sound of frantic wailing echoed off the high marble walls below.
Victoria: Shall I destroy his trust fund papers and cast you out?
Clara: Please stop this madness, I am begging you on my knees!
Clara dropped to her knees on the polished marble floor below.
She folded her hands together as bitter tears flooded her brown eyes.
Clara: Do whatever you want to me, but spare this child!
Victoria: You are both worthless bugs in my eyes, Clara!
Victoria grabbed the precious golden heirloom medallion from around Leo's neck.
She tore the family keepsake away and tossed it callously over the banister.
The golden chain plummeted through the air and crashed onto the floor.
It skidded across the hard surface with a sharp metallic clatter.
Leo cried even harder in terror from the sudden, aggressive movement.
Victoria laughed hysterically as she enjoyed Clara's sheer desperation and terror.
Victoria: You see how easy it is to break this family's legacy?
Clara's heart pounded furiously in her chest as she watched in horror.
She knew she had to act quickly before Victoria did something unforgivable.
The helpless baby was sobbing uncontrollably in the cruel woman's grip.
Clara rose from the floor with determination burning in her heart.
She was ready to risk her job to save the innocent child.