Ethan Sterling strode into the grand hall beneath the framed American flag, looking imposing in a burgundy velvet tailcoat, black bowtie, and dark trousers. Behind him marched four estate security guards in full uniform.
Victoria's hands dropped to her voluminous pink silk skirt, her sneer melting into an instant mask of fake innocence.
Victoria: Ethan, darling! Thank God you're home early! It was an accident!
Clara: Sir, she tried to throw your baby onto the marble floor!
Victoria: Don't listen to this filthy girl, Ethan! The maid lunged at me from behind and knocked Toby out of my hands!
Clara: She raised him over her head and threw him with all her strength, Mr. Sterling! Look at him!
Toby shrieked in Clara's arms, his tiny red face wet with tears as his body trembled against her apron.
Ethan didn't say a word as his leather boots clicked loudly across the polished marble. His jaw was clenched so hard the muscles in his neck jumped.
Ethan: Clara... is my son breathing?
Clara: Yes, sir. He's terrified, but I caught him before his head struck the stone.
Victoria: Ethan, look at me! I am your fiancee! We are signing our marriage certificate this Friday!
Ethan turned his head slowly toward Victoria. The fury in his dark eyes burned hot enough to scorch the air.
Ethan: Did you touch my boy, Victoria?
Victoria: The baby was slipping, Ethan! The silk swaddle was too slick!
Clara: That swaddle is coarse cotton, Mr. Sterling! She stood right under the flag and shouted that she wanted him gone!
Victoria: Shut up, you worthless orphan! Ethan, fire this woman immediately!
Blazing with unstoppable paternal fury, Ethan stepped forward beneath the grand American flag. Without a second of hesitation, he raised his heavy right hand and unleashed two vicious, explosive, full-force slaps straight across Victoria's face.
The loud, sharp cracks echoed off the high ceiling like gunshots, snapping Victoria's head violently from side to side before she collapsed hard onto the marble floor.
Ethan: GET OUT OF MY SIGHT!
Victoria let out a loud sob of agony, clutching her swollen, red cheek as she sprawled across her rumpled pink diamond gown.
Victoria: You hit me?! In front of the entire corporate board?!
Ethan: You'll spend the rest of your life in prison!
Ethan dropped to his knees on the marble floor beside Clara. He reached out his broad, trembling hands, wrapping his arms around both the brave waitress and his weeping baby in a tight, protective embrace.
Ethan: Thank you for saving my son, you are both safe now.
Toby's frantic crying softened into small, shuddering whimpers against Clara's chest. Ethan took a deep, shaky breath, pressing a gentle kiss to his baby's soft forehead.
Victoria: Ethan... please! Think about our family business! Think about the merger!
Ethan: The only thing you will ever merge with, Victoria, is a state penitentiary cell.
Ethan looked up at the head of security standing by the double doors.
Ethan: Miller! Seal every exit in this mansion right now!
Miller: Right away, Mr. Sterling! Nobody leaves the property!
Victoria tried to scramble backward on her hands and knees, but the heavy train of her Victorian dress tangled around her legs.
Victoria: You have no proof of anything! It's the word of a common maid against a Vance family heiress!
Ethan: We don't need her word, Victoria. We have your confession on camera.